Department to pay for wire left in knee
It has taken some 15 years for former journalist Bonisile Ndaliso to get justice after doctors at the Frere Hospital left a piece of metal in his knee after an operation. The Eastern Cape High Court (East London) has found the Department of Health liable for the damages Ndaliso suffered.
The Herald reports Ndaliso had an operation on his fractured leg at the hospital in 2004.
In 2011, an x-ray revealed a piece of a surgical pin – called a k-wire – had been left behind.
Medical evidence suggests he suffered further injury to the knee for almost seven years as a result.
Ndaliso sued the Eastern Cape Department of Health for just more than R1m, alleging hospital staff were negligent. Last week, Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge found in his favour. He also said the department should foot the bill for the cost of removing the k-wire in 2011 and the pain and discomfort he suffered during recovery.
He has ordered the department to pay all the legal costs associated with the litigation. The compensation amount still has to be argued.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
