WINDHOEK- The tragic death of 40-year-old Juliana Kleophas and her newborn baby during delivery at the Katutura State Hospital could have been prevented if due diligence was given to her case, it was heard yesterday.
This came to light at a disciplinary hearing by the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCN) where Dr Albertina Amupala, who attended to Kleophas on the day she died (May 3, 2012), is being charged with misconduct.
Dr Riaan van der Colf, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who provided expert evidence in the matter, said the death of Kleophas and her baby boy was tragic and unfortunate and “it probably was preventable for a lot of reasons”.
He said there was poor maternal observation in Kleophas’ case from the day she was admitted to the day she died despite the fact that she was a high risk patient.
This is based on her previous history of undergoing a caesarean section and her age amongst other issues, Van der Colf pointed out. Kleophas was admitted to Katutura hospital on April 30, 2012.
She was booked to undergo an elective caesarean section (caesarean for someone who is not in labour) on May 1. But that was cancelled because it was a public holiday, it was heard yesterday.
“A public holiday is not a good enough reason to postpone a surgery,” said Van der Colf.
He noted that Kleophas was not monitored regularly, despite the observation of an expectant mother and her baby being important.
The medical personnel on duty did not monitor Kleophas regularly at night especially after 22h00 during her time in hospital, Van der Colf said based on evidence that he gathered from Kleophas’ medical card from which he compiled a report.
“Looking at the report I get jittery,” Van der Colf said, adding that Kleophas’ operation should have been carried out on May, 1 2012, as was indicated to the patient.