Tshwane — The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed that a patient from the psychiatric unit at George Mukhari Academic Hospital has died after a fire incident at the hospital.
The 35-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital late last week and and was placed in a seclusion room yesterday (24 June) as part of her prescribed treatment. The fire incident broke out around 6:35pm from the seclusion room, a statement said.
“Immediate actions were taken to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of patients. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the fire brigade, but unfortunately the patient in the seclusion room sustained fatal injuries.” Health Department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said.
MEDIA STATEMENT || FIRE INCIDENT CLAIMS A PATIENT’S LIFE AT DR GEORGE MUKHARI ACADEMIC HOSPITAL pic.twitter.com/9sWarnT0oe
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 24, 2024
Modiba said that 17 other patients in the unit were successfully evacuated and relocated to a different wing of the psychiatric department. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS) for further investigations.
The department extended its condolences to the bereaved family and said a debriefing and counselling will be provided to all families affected by the incident.
“The Gauteng Department of Health wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family as they mourn the sudden passing of their daughter. Both the bereaved family and the families of the 17 patients will be taken through a debriefing. Counselling services will also be made available to them.” he concluded.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
