The Gauteng Department of Health in South Africa stated that a pregnant woman who was seven months pregnant committed suicide in a hospital restroom.
On Saturday, Refilwe Thamae, 25, hanged herself with her scarf in a restroom at Kopanong District Hospital in Vereeniging, Sedibeng.
Motalatale Modiba, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Health Department, called the suicide occurrence tragic in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 12.
Modiba explained that the woman, who was 29 weeks pregnant, was brought to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit by emergency medical services workers on Friday, September 8, with her mother accompanying her.
“Upon admission, the mother gave a background that the patient was displaying abnormal behaviour which the Department cannot disclose due to patient-doctor confidentiality,” Modiba said.
“After diagnosis, she was then admitted to the maternity ward due to her being over seven months pregnant,” he said.
According to Modiba, the doctor advised sedation and restrictions, both of which were used.
“The patient was later nursed in a side ward due to her condition being triggered by crying babies,” he said.
According to Modiba, the nursing staff noticed the patient was not in her bed during the early hours of Saturday morning.
“Upon looking for her, they made the gruesome discovery and found the patient hanging in the bathroom with her headscarf,” he said.
According to Modiba, the SA Police Service (SAPS) received a report of the occurrence, and an inquest has since been opened.
“The Gauteng Department of Health’s Quality Assurance unit will also conduct an internal investigation, as this case is regarded as a Patient Safety Incident,” he said.
The internal processes are expected to be completed in no more than 60 days.
Modiba stated that this was separate from 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,” he added.
