BABIES SWITCHED AT KZN HOSPITAL
An investigation has been launched after two babies were allegedly switched at Durban’s Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
Since the incident took place, one of the babies has died but the death is not related to the switching.
In a statement, KwaZulu-Natal’s health department has confirmed that they’re worried about the alleged allegations.
“The matter is being treated with due care, sensitivity and respect – particularly because both parents involved are under the age of 18, however hospital management are in regular contact with the affected families, and on hand to duly address any points of clarity.”
DNA tests were conducted and the results were communicated with both mothers and their families. The mother of the deceased baby has requested a second round of DNA tests. The results are due on 21 June.
Both mothers are under the age of 18 and couldn’t immediately receive counselling offered by the department as they were busy with academic examinations.
In the statement, the department added that the matter has been investigated and disciplinary measures taken against implicated staff members.
News24 reports that the department added that it is important to note that the hospital delivers between 1 100 and 1 400 babies every month, which is the second-highest in the country, and that the hospital is among those that were hardest hit by the floods, which occurred around the same time as this alleged incident.
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