The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) wishes to sadly confirm the unfortunate incident where a 25-year-old pregnant patient committed suicide while admitted at Kopanong District Hospital in Vereeniging, Sedibeng. 

On Friday, 08 September 2023, a 29-weeks pregnant patient, was brought to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit by emergency medical services personnel escorted by her mother. Upon admission, the mother gave a background that the patient was displaying abnormal behaviour which the Department cannot disclose due to patient-doctor confidentiality. 

The patient was then seen by a doctor who eventually diagnosed her. After diagnosis, she was then admitted at the maternity ward due to her being over 7 months pregnant. The doctor prescribed sedation and restraints which were applied. The patient was later nursed in a side ward due to her condition being triggered by crying babies. 

During the early hours of Saturday morning, 09 September 2023 while the nursing staff were doing their rounds, they noticed that the patient was not on her bed. Upon looking for her, they made the gruesome discovery and found the patient hanging in the bathroom with her head scarf. 

The unfortunate incident has been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) which has already opened an inquest docket. The GDoH’s Quality Assurance unit will also conduct an internal investigation as this case is regarded as a Patient Safety Incident. 

The internal processes are expected to take not more than 60 days to conclude, independent of the SAPS investigation. 

The Department has already conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family of the patient and has arranged counselling services for both the family and staff at the Kopanong District Hospital. 

Ends/ 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health