The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital says it will look to strengthen security in its wards following the death of Piet Ntswanisi, a patient who lost his life at the hands of a fellow patient.
On Saturday morning, a patient who was admitted in the same ward as Ntsanwisi attacked him and another patient with a drip stand.
“The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital management is saddened by the passing of Mr Ntsanwisi and wishes to extend its deepest condolences to his family.
“Patient and staff safety remains a high priority to us and we will look at how we can further strengthen security in our wards,” said the acting CEO Sifiso Maseko.
The hospital has since reported the incident to the South African Police Service and has refuted reports that the alleged perpetrator is a psychiatric patient.
“This has never happened before in our facility. We are shocked by the incident and I would like to take this opportunity to also rectify false reports that the alleged perpetrator is a psychiatric patient.
“In fact, the patient had no record of psychiatry disorder. Nowhere are there any signs of hostile behaviour shown by the patient prior to the incident,” said Maseko.
On Monday morning, staff members and patients received counselling and hospital management visited the Ntsanwisi family to offer condolences.
“We have made an undertaking to provide counselling services to the family members and this has been welcomed. There are no words that can express our pain about this unfortunate incident. We will continue to offer the necessary support to the family,” said Maseko. – SAnews.gov.za
