Investigations after patients accuse Durban cardiologist of malpractice
According to the Rising Sun, more than five patients have come forward with allegations against Ntando Duze, a doctor with admitting rights at the hospital. The patients allege they were subjected to invasive procedures, including the insertion of stents, which they believe were not medically necessary.
The allegations, which have raised alarm among both patients and medical professionals, were brought to the attention of Life Healthcare and the HPCSA. Complainants say the procedures caused more harm than healing and questioned whether proper informed consent was obtained.
In response to media queries, Life Healthcare confirmed that it was informed of the allegations by the HPCSA and has since launched an internal review.
'Upon receiving this information, we promptly provided the relevant details and initiated our own internal review process in accordance with our robust clinical management protocols. Our investigation is still ongoing, and we are therefore not in a position to disclose further details at this stage,' said Dr Karisha Quarie, the chief medical officer at the hospital.
While the exact number and nature of complaints remain undisclosed, the hospital group said it takes such allegations seriously and is committed to acting on the findings once the review is concluded.
Dr Quarie emphasised that Dr Duze, like many specialists operating at Life facilities, is not an employee but an independent healthcare practitioner with admitting rights. 'This distinction underscores that, while they provide essential medical services within our facilities, they operate independently,' she explained.
Life Healthcare reiterated its commitment to patient safety and quality care, stating: 'Our primary concern is always the well-being and safety of our patients.'
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on risingsunnewspapers.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Police and CPF promote men's wellness in Folweni
ON JULY 30, the Folweni police station, the Folweni Community Police Forum (FCPF), the Spiritual Crime Prevention Network, and other stakeholders hosted an awareness campaign on men's wellness. Also read: Isipingo company hosts wellness day The event was held to highlight challenges related to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of men, most of which remain undiagnosed or rarely acknowledged. Lieutenant Colonel Nkululeko Kweyama, the commander of the Folweni police station, encouraged all men to live a healthy lifestyle and to open up and seek support when facing challenges. FCPF chairperson Muntu Mchunu donated a soccer kit to Folweni police station's soccer team. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
Not enough breastfeeding for South Africa's babies
We often hear that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies from birth. South African mothers, however have not been breastfeeding their babies enough. As South Africa observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week until 7 August, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (PBSN) together with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) expresses concern that only 20 percent of babies in the country are exclusively breastfed. A statement by the HPCSA, shows that South Africa has failed dismally in achieving an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% by 2025, a global expectation target endorsed by the World Health Assembly. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done in South Africa to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and to meet global targets. Recent data shows that in South Africa, 44% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks in 2021/22, down from 49% in 2019/20,' said the HPCSA. A Human Sciences Research Council Report indicates that only 20% of infants from birth to six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa to date. Globally, 48% of infants are breastfed, while the expected target for 2025 is 50%. The revised target for breastfeeding by 2030 is 70%. Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an initiative planned by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year's theme is: Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. 'A sustainable breastfeeding support system is an all-of-society approach that ensures every mother has the support, environment and resources to breastfeed successfully, from the first two years of a child's life and beyond,' said WABA in a statement. According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is best because: It has healthy nutrients compared to formula which are easier to absorb and digest. It contains nutrients that aid successful brain growth and nervous system development, making them fare better in intelligence tests later in life. The fat in breastmilk develops better eyesight in babies. Breastmilk consumption combats infections. Breastfed infants do not succumb to digestive, lung and ear infections. Premature babies who are breastfed are not susceptible to intestine related infections. Babies who are prone to infection while being breastfed experience less severe symptoms. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
New bird flu outbreak confirmed in this province
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has confirmed a fresh outbreak of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Officials detected the virus in farmed ducks near Paarl in early July. The farm owners voluntarily culled the chickens to prevent the disease from spreading. Authorities have recently reported cases in chickens in the North West and Mpumalanga provinces. Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds, but in rare cases can also infect mammals and humans through direct contact with infected birds. The department noted that HPAI has also caused deaths in wild bird species in the Western Cape. These include Great White Pelicans near Malmesbury and Hartlaub's Gulls in Cape Town. These are the first confirmed wild bird cases in the province since April 2024 and the first mass deaths since 2022. 'Infected wild birds may appear unusually tame, lose fear of humans, or show neurological signs like twitching or seizures,' said the WCDoA. Health officials say there is no evidence that the virus is spreading between humans. Authorities urge people to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds without protective gear. People should report suspected cases to local authorities. 'While the risk of human infection is low, contact with sick and dead birds should be avoided,' the department said. 'Do not transport dead birds; report sightings to your local authority instead.' The WCDoA reassured the public that poultry products sold in stores remain safe for consumption. The authorities handle the outbreak under the Animal Diseases Act. Authorities urge poultry farmers to step up biosecurity. This includes: Restricting farm access to those who have had poultry contact in the past 48 hours Preventing contact between farm birds and wild birds Disinfecting all vehicles and footwear entering poultry houses People must immediately report all suspected poultry outbreaks to a State Veterinarian. 'Through vigilance and cooperation, we can help stop the spread of bird flu and protect our birds, poultry industry, and communities,' the department said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
