- Parents demand medical accountability after their newborn sustains an unexplained head injury during a C-section at Vredendal Hospital.
- The hospital admits no incident report was filed and classifies minor cuts as surgical risks; family questions documentation and medical accountability.
- Facing financial barriers, the family seeks legal assistance and community support while advocating for greater medical accountability in Western Cape healthcare.
A Western Cape family is seeking answers and medical accountability from Vredendal Hospital after their newborn son sustained a small cut to the right side of his head during a C-section delivery on 2 May 2025. The injury was first noticed by the father the following afternoon, prompting immediate concern.
“We asked for an explanation from the doctor or surgeon who did the operation,” said the baby’s father. “But today, after many attempts, only the head of Vredendal Hospital and I think it’s the head of theatre, talked to us and explained what happened during theatre, but still we don’t feel satisfied with the explanation.”
The family alleges that the injury was never recorded in the child’s medical records, despite their repeated requests. “No one wrote down the injury on the head, the small cut on the right side of my baby’s head,” the father stated. “No one recorded the said incident anywhere, even after we asked. Nothing was recorded in his records.”
“It seems like no one at the hospital wants to take responsibility,” he explained. “I’m considering taking action against the hospital, because I’m not satisfied with the explanation we were given.” The family has received a complaint form from the hospital, but remains cautious.
The parents consider the incident to be neglect on the part of the hospital and have expressed concern about the long-term well-being of their child. “We are worried about how this might affect him in the future,” he said.
Hospital responds: ‘Concerns are being taken very seriously’
In a statement to Conviction.co.za, Vredendal Hospital acknowledged the incident and expressed empathy for the family’s experience.
“Vredendal Hospital acknowledges the difficult experience the family had during the birth of their child,” said Leensie Lötter, Communications Officer for the West Coast District and Paarl Hospital in the Western Cape Department of Health. “We understand how distressing this must have been and want to assure the family that their concerns are being taken very seriously.”
The hospital encouraged families to raise concerns directly with attending staff and outlined the availability of a formal complaints process. “Patients and parents are encouraged to raise any concerns directly with the attending nursing or medical staff so that these can be addressed without delay,” Lötter said. “A formal complaints process is also available to ensure matters are investigated appropriately.”
Hospital management was informed of the incident on 22 September 2025 and has committed to keeping the family informed. “While no incident report was filed at the time of birth, it is important to note that the possibility of minor cuts to a baby during a C-section can happen and is therefore explained to the mother during the consent process before surgery,” Lötter explained.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to safe and respectful care. “Vredendal Hospital remains committed to providing safe, respectful and person-centred care to all families,” Lötter added. “Developmental screening and follow-up are important components of the Department’s First 1000 Days programme, and we encourage parents to attend routine mother-and-baby follow-up visits at their local clinic to support the child’s healthy development.”
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