A Wynberg man wants heads to roll after hospital staff misdiagnosed his mother with diarrhoea for over a year, instead of cancer.
Hafid Biggs says he is going to sue False Bay Hospital for negligence, as the family is preparing to say goodbye to his mom, Sheryl Biggs, 61, who now only has “weeks to live”.
Hafid says his mother, from Ottery, fell ill in 2017, and doctors treated her for diarrhoea without checking for other illnesses.
“My mother started going to the hospital with the diarrhoea symptoms in March 2017 and it became persistent,” he explains.
“She lost her appetite and started losing weight. After four months, I went to inquire by hospital management what was wrong.”
He says Sheryl was “fairly healthy” but deteriorated fast.
He says no one explained why they were not referred to a specialist.
HEALTHY: Mom Biggs, 61. Photo: SUPPLIED
“My mother kept getting worse and went back to the hospital every time, and they kept treating her for diarrhoea because she had loose stools and loss of appetite,” says Hafid.
“After an emergency colonoscopy in August 2018 at the same hospital, they found that my mother has colon cancer and there was nothing more doctors could do for her.
“She was then transferred to Groote Schuur and last month they gave her only a few weeks to live,” an emotional Hafid says.
‘SORRY’: Van der Heever. Photo: SUPPLIED
“They had misdiagnosed her at False Bay. The hospital manager apologised and admitted to negligence.
“Would an apology suffice if I shoot someone?
“Justice needs to be done and those responsible held accountable.
“How many people are dying because of their negligence?
“I need help from anyone in the law fraternity. I want justice and compensation.”
Hafid is convinced “if they had diagnosed her properly, she would not be in the state she is in”.
Deputy Director for Communications for Western Cape Government Health, Mark van der Heever, says Hafid is free to take legal steps.
LEGAL ACTION: False Bay Hospital to be sued for negligence. Photo: SUPPLIED
“The department apologises for the negative experience that the Biggs family had,” he says.
“Mrs. Biggs’s case was discussed internally at the hospital’s Patient Safety Meeting and Morbidity and Mortality Meetings.
“Both of these meetings involve a multi-disciplinary team, the case is critically reviewed and strategies are generated to improve patient care.
“Should Mr. Biggs still not be satisfied with the feedback provided by the CEO of the hospital, he can escalate his complaint with the Independent Complaints Commission, via the Head of Department or the MEC for health.”