Sick Infant Sent Home Without Proper Investigation

The Emergency Department at Life Fourways Hospital has been one of the most disappointing and distressing experiences we have had as parents.

We brought our sick infant to the Emergency Department because we were genuinely concerned about his condition and expected him to receive a thorough medical assessment and appropriate care. Instead, we were sent home without what we believe was a proper investigation into the cause of his illness. As parents, it was incredibly distressing to feel that our concerns about our sick child were not taken seriously.

What makes this experience even more concerning is that another hospital subsequently took the necessary steps to help us. They took our concerns seriously, admitted our infant for observation, and made every effort to investigate the problem, identify what was wrong, and ensure that he received the appropriate treatment.

This raises serious questions about the level of care and urgency shown at Life Fourways. No parent should leave an Emergency Department with a sick infant feeling dismissed, unheard, and uncertain about their child’s condition.

I am also concerned about the financial aspect of being assessed and discharged without meaningful intervention, particularly when medical aid may still be billed for the consultation and services provided. This leaves us questioning the value and appropriateness of the care we received.

We are extremely disappointed by the level of service, professionalism, and care shown during what was already an incredibly stressful and frightening situation. The experience fell far below what we expected from a private hospital.

Life Fourways Hospital urgently needs to investigate how patients—especially vulnerable infants and children—are assessed and treated in their Emergency Department. Thankfully, another hospital took our concerns seriously enough to admit our child, observe him properly, investigate the problem, and provide the care he needed.

This experience has seriously damaged our trust in Life Fourways Hospital.