Gauteng Department of Health needs more time to probe death of baby

Imogen Vollenhoven
26January 2013 

The Gauteng Department of Health on Friday said it needs more time before it can declare whether it was negligence that led to a baby dying at Kalafong Hospital.

Janine Meiring was taken to hospital on Christmas Eve, and despite being in heavy labour, doctors failed to notice the baby was about to arrive.

She was 27 weeks pregnant when she went into labour.

Meiring said her baby literally slid out of her, and hit the floor, with doctors apparently doing nothing to help.

 The child later died from his injuries. The department's Simon Zwane said the matter is incredibly urgent, and the mother's statement will be probed immediately.