Issued by National Department of Health
26 May 2006
The Department of Health regrets the loss of the four babies as a result of a power failure at Ward 17 at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape on 17 May 2006, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the family affected.
The cause of the actual death of the babies is still being investigated:
An internal investigation has uncovered that the power failure was not as a result of Eskom power supply failure. If it was, existing standby generators would have kicked-in. In this case, it has since been established that it was a local isolated power interruption to ward 17 only.
As a further preventative back-up measure, the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape is proceeding with the installation of an Un-interrupted Power Supply system in ward 17 and 16 as an emergency back-up to supply uninterrupted power for a duration of 4 hours.
The province is addressing all associated issues with regard to the matter. The equipment replacement programme of the provincial Department of Health is ongoing.
A thorough investigation by the Eastern Cape Quality Assurance Branch team is continuing to provide answers to some of the yet unanswered questions.
The National Department of Health will provide the required support and monitor the investigation.
Enquiries: Charity Bhengu 083 679 7424