More damning claims in case involving 'abandoned' Umlazi patient

Thembeka Sikhosana fell ill two weeks ago, suffering from cardiovascular-related issues. 

Her family called an ambulance, but the medics that arrived allegedly refused to walk up a flight of stairs to pick her up.

They apparently eventually left without her.

The 37-year-old was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital by neighbours. She passed away in hospital last week.

DA Health Shadow Minister Michele Clarke visited the family on Wednesday.

She said the family have told her hospital staff neglected some of their duties.

"We have also established that while she was in hospital she was not treated very well, the nursing staff would not feed her and the family had to go through to feed their mom to make sure that she could eat because she was too weak to feed herself.

"So that is also a real tragedy that nursing staff were not doing their jobs at the hospital to assist them."

Thembeka's sister Mbali said not only are they still scrambling to arrange a funeral, but they also feel let down by the KZN Health Department. 

"I am very much disappointed because even now they are lying and saying I am unreachable, but everybody else can reach me except for them. Up until today, I don't even know who is in charge of the investigation. I don't understand a lot of things that have been happening, so it is hard." 

The medics involved are facing disciplinary action. The department says investigations are ongoing.

Earlier this week, it called on the family to work with them in the probe.