Provincial government to pay R11m for girl’s arm
The Eastern Cape Government is paying R11.1m for a bionic arm for Liqhame Stemele (13), whose left hand was amputated in 2012 due to negligence of staff at Mdantsane’s NU9 clinic and the Cecilia Makiwane hospital.
A Daily Dispatch report says even though medical staff denied that their delay in properly diagnosing Stemele’s broken arm – which caused the hand to become gangrenous, and eventually required amputation at the wrist – Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba admitted liability when the matter came before the Eastern Cape High Court (Bhisho).
Staff negligence means that Stemele must be fitted with a new prosthetic left arm every 18 months until her bones reach maturity within the next few years.
At that point, she will be fitted with a bionic arm, an electric prosthesis, which is externally powered but controlled by the natural electrical signals generated by her body.
Acting Judge Mickey Mfenyana made the agreement between Stemele’s mother and Gomba an order of court.
The bulk of the costs order will go towards future medical expenses, including the costs of the myoelectric prosthesis.
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.
