Lady Shares Losing Baby After Hospital Staff Neglected Her for 10 Hours
- A South African couple was devastated by the news of losing their baby after they were neglected by hospital staff for over 10 hours
- They rushed to the healthcare facility after the mother-to-be experienced bleeding, unbearable pain, and cramps in her lower abdomen area
- The pair shared their unfortunate experience at the private hospital with Briefly News after trying to contact the healthcare facility with no luck
On the morning of 27 August 2025, a couple arrived at the Lenmed Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital in Lenasia’s casualty department around 06:30 am with period-like cramps and bleeding.
Source: Getty Images
They explained the urgency of the situation, as they were in early pregnancy and very concerned about possibly losing the baby. The pair was checked in, vitals were taken, and blood samples were drawn.
A urine test confirmed the pregnancy, and at around 07:00, there was a shift change, and they were briefly seen by a doctor from the night shift before being handed over to the incoming team:
“My doctor, Dr. Sihlabela, was contacted and informed of my condition. He recommended that I be admitted for further monitoring. By 08:30 AM, I was told I would be admitted. At this point, I was still bleeding lightly and experiencing mild cramps.”
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Woman shares story of being neglected for over 10 hours
At 10:30 am, the couple was moved to Room 18 in the ward. Immediately upon entering, they noticed a theatre gown placed in the room, which caused them great distress, as it implied surgical intervention without explanation. Two nurses (one experienced, one new trainee) attended to them:
“While I understood the trainee needed guidance, the lack of professionalism and organisation caused unnecessary stress.”
At noon, the couple was finally seen by Dr. Sihlabela. They explained that the bleeding was worsening and no longer just spotting:
“His tone changed when I said this, and he prescribed a yellow drip to help stop bleeding and medication (pills to be inserted). He then informed me he had to leave to perform a caesarean section and would return to do an ultrasound. Despite these prescriptions, neither the drip nor the medication was given at that time.”
Negligence by nursing staff
The woman explained that her pain escalated significantly into strong contractions while waiting for the doctor to return. A nurse attempted to set up her drip but incorrectly connected it, leaving her without fluid. When she pointed out the issue, the nurse corrected it, but left the floor wet and the patient unattended with an open injection on her bedside table:
“My partner and I repeatedly asked for assistance, updates, or an ultrasound. Each time we were told the doctor was still in theatre. By this time, I had been in the hospital for over eight hours without proper medical intervention. I began passing clots and soaked through two pads in the ward. Still, no ultrasound was performed, and no medication was provided.”
Couple attempts to leave hospital
Around 17:00, the lady’s pain escalated, and her contractions became unbearable. Her partner demanded that another doctor be called or that they be discharged. The staff resisted, but eventually agreed to remove her drip.
The couple left the hospital without signing any discharge papers, as they no longer trusted the care being provided.
Source: Getty Images
Finding help at Park Lane Hospital
Upon arrival at Park Lane, the staff immediately rushed to assist the patient and stabilised her within minutes. She was given effective pain relief and examined by Dr. B Vuma:
“He explained that my blood results showed hCG levels of 1000 that morning, but on ultrasound, he sadly confirmed that my pregnancy had no heartbeat.”
Request for accountability
The couple contacted the hospital and requested a full investigation into their case and the conduct of the staff involved.
They also want copies of the medical records from their admission and a written explanation of why the patient was left untreated for so long. They requested assurance that steps will be taken so that other women do not go through the traumatic experience, and they urge the hospital to implement procedures that guarantee timely treatment and compassionate care for all future patients.
“I lost my baby under extremely painful and traumatic circumstances. While losing the baby may not have been preventable, the way I was treated at your hospital was unacceptable, unsafe, and negligent. My partner and I are considering further legal action. We call for immediate action from your hospital—both an apology and a concrete plan for improving care—so that others are protected from such negligence.”
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Source: Briefly News
