Durban — Doubts have been cast over a health practitioner’s professional conduct that allegedly led to the death of two young children who underwent dental procedures at a private medical facility in Pinetown in February.
The practitioner has been subpoenaed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to attend their “professional conduct” inquiry in September.
This after the practitioner attended the HPCSA’s suspension hearing at the end of May, which lasted two days, and concluded with her suspension.
HPCSA spokesperson Priscilla Sekhonyana said the government-aligned regulatory body for health professionals confirmed the suspension and professional conduct inquiry subpoena date for the practitioner.
In the first incident on February 14, a 4-year-old girl lost her life at the Netcare Medicross Pinetown Day Theatre, and at the same facility a 6-year-old boy died when he was due to have a tooth removed on February 27.
Formal complaints against the practitioner were lodged with HPCSA after the deaths of the children. Sekhonyana said the HPCSA conducted a full investigation, which included an interview with the practitioner.
“The HPCSA has suspended the practitioner from practising her profession pending the institution of a formal inquiry.”
Sekhonyana said their course of action was in accordance with regulations relating to conduct of inquiries into alleged unprofessional conduct under the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974.
“If a preliminary committee of inquiry decides, after due consideration of the complaint and the respondent’s explanation, that there are grounds for a professional conduct inquiry into the conduct of the respondent, it must direct that an inquiry be held.”
She said there were various circumstances that could result in a health practitioner being suspended.
And there were a number of sanctions applicable when practitioners were found guilty of “improper or disgraceful” conduct, including a fine, suspension for a period of time or removal from the register of practitioners.
Sekhonyana said the professional conduct committee must comprise at least two public representatives, one of whom must be the chairperson, two persons registered in the same profession as the respondent, one of whom must be registered in the same discipline as the respondent.
HPCSA board and committee members (practitioners) who did not sit in the suspension hearing could also form part of the professional conduct committee.
Sekhonyana said the practitioner would be allowed legal representation and to lead witnesses at the hearing.
The deaths of the children caused Netcare to temporarily shut the medical facility’s theatre so that they could verify all operational patient safety measures through a thorough due diligence process.
The acting managing director of Netcare’s hospital division, Dr Erich Bock, said after a meticulous review of safety and operational protocols, the theatre was reopened for surgical procedures in June.
“We were not required to close but voluntarily suspended procedures at the theatre to complete a meticulous review, with a focus on patient safety.
"We remain profoundly shocked and saddened by these highly unusual tragedies, and we reiterate our ongoing commitment to transparency and co-operation with all authorities in their investigations while continuing to adhere to all protocols with the utmost care,” said Bock.
In expressing their condolences to the families, Bock said no effort was spared in their search for answers.
“As we reopen, we have renewed commitment to providing the highest quality of care while ensuring the safety of all patients. We are most grateful for the community’s patience and understanding during what has been an exceptionally difficult time for all involved,” he said.
Sunday Tribune