The Free State's Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, tells OFM News that the 34-year-old man fell from the 7th floor and passed away. 

Mvambi says on Friday 22 July 2022 at about 3:30, a security guard reported the incident to the after-hours office that a male patient was lying on the floor in a pool of blood in the corridor leading to the admission office. He says the after-hour matrons notified the head nurse and CEO of the hospital, immediately after responding to the scene. Mvambi adds that police were also informed about the incident. They arrived, followed by a criminal investigation detective and a forensic team which removed the body from the scene.

"It is with sadness that the Free State Department of Health informs the media and public about the tragic death of a 33-year-old male patient. This patient was a burns transfer from the Dr JS Moroka District Hospital on Sunday 17 July 2022, after sustaining burns on the same day. His condition was assessed at the Dr JS Moroka Hospital and was deemed to be needing the care and attention of the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital due to inhalation and the physical location of the burns. The patient had sustained major burns to his face, neck, right shoulder, and left hand. He was assessed as 16% body surface, as well as inhalational," said Mvambi.

He says the patient never had respiratory complications and continued with face mask oxygen while he was in hospital. Mvambi says the patient was never confused at any point and did not exhibit any signs of alcohol or substance withdrawal. According to Mvambi, the patient remained fully conscious, interacted with ward staff, and his Glascow Coma Score (GCS) was also maintained. This allows for the improvement or deterioration in a patient's condition to be quickly and clearly communicated. He says the patient showed no suicidal intentions. Mvambi concludes that the family was offered psychosocial support after they were called and informed by the hospital.

OFM News

Spokesperson Mondli Mvambi says the patient was a burns transfer from Dr JS Moroka Hospital and was deemed to be needing the care and attention of Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital.

The patient had sustained major burns to his face, neck, right shoulder, and left hand.

Mvambi says the family has been informed about the incident and was offered psychosocial support.

He says an independent investigation is underway by police and forensic teams.

“It was on Friday 22 July 2022 at about 03:30 that a member of the security services reported to the after-hours office that a male patient was lying on the floor in a pool of blood in the corridor leading to the admission office. Immediately, the after-hour matrons responded to the scene and notified the head nurse and the CEO. 

"The police arrived, followed by the criminal investigation detective and forensic team. The body was removed by the forensic team.”

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