Distraught family blames clinic for teenager’s ‘sudden’ death

The City has launched an investigation into circumstances leading to the death of 16-year-old Kendall Okkers, who died a day after she was allegedly turned away from the Wesbank Clinic.

“City Health is aware of the incident and a thorough investigation is being conducted. Only once this has been concluded will we provide further response,” said City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo.

Speaking to the “Cape Times” this week, her family said they were still struggling to come to terms with the death of the Rosendaal High pupil.

Kendall’s grandmother said while they know their plight won’t bring back her granddaughter, they felt strongly about holding the clinic accountable for not providing service which could have led to a different outcome for Kendall.

The facility is located along Silversands Road in Wesbank, near Delft.

Estelle Hermanus said her granddaughter had flu symptoms for a week, but concern was raised when blood displayed in her sputum.

“Her mother saw the blood spots and immediately became worried and took her to the clinic on April 30. She was taken to the clinic where they hoped to have her tested and checked for TB. Her mother asked one of the staff members on duty if they could assist and she was referred to the reception and none of the staff by this time had checked Kendall. When she got to reception, she was told they cannot help her and she must come back the next day as they only see five clients per day.

“My daughter-in-law then took Kendall home and called for an ambulance but they never arrived. This is then when they had called me to please take Kendall to hospital and I went there straight from work. We got to Eerste River Day Hospital and by this time, Kendall’s condition had weakened,” said Hermanus.

The teenager was placed in an induced coma, the family said.

Kendall died a day after visiting the clinic, when her heart stopped.

“The doctors at Eerste River really did all they could from the moment Kendall arrived.

“We know that this won’t bring our girl back but it has been very traumatic and the clinic staff must be held accountable,” the grandmother said.

“I advised my daughter-in-law to go back (to Wesbank Clinic) and tell them what happened and the sister on duty apologised and said they had made a mistake by not seeing her.

They said they would make an effort to meet with my son and daughter-in-law, but until today they have not done anything,” said Hermanus.

“(Kendall) wasn’t a sickly child at all. She made a big impact among her youth group friends especially, and her peers at school.

“It does hurt as her death came so suddenly.

“She had great dreams and aspirations of going to study and buying her parents their dream home.”

Cape Times