A 36-year-old woman patient who was admitted at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa, was found dead in a bathroom hanging by a cellphone charger cable on Monday.
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, the patient was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, 21 September, for a medical matter, and not a mental health one.
“On Monday, at approximately 13:00, a nurse making her rounds noticed that a bathroom door was locked.
After knocking several times without a response, she requested assistance from another nurse.
The two nurses forcefully opened the door and devastatingly discovered the patient hanging by a cellphone charger cable inside.
Immediate efforts to resuscitate her were undertaken, and a doctor was called to the scene, and subsequently certified her dead,” said the acting department spokesperson, Khutso Rabothata.
The department said hospital staff who were deeply affected by this traumatic experience, are receiving counselling and support.
The South African Police Service were informed and are currently investigating the matter.
The department extended its condolences to the woman’s family.
“The department remains committed to providing compassionate and safe health care and will continue to work toward preventing such incidents from occurring in the future,” added Rabothata.
