UITENHAGE - LAWYERS PREPARING TO SEIZE ASSETS FROM UITENHAGE PROVICIAL HOSPITAL

ATTORNEYS are preparing to seize beds and equipment from the cash-strapped Uitenhage Provincial Hospital – and threatening to attach a politician’s personal assets – to force the payment of millions of rands in damages to a child in dire need of medical attention.

Eight-year-old Ruwayne Booyse’s attorney, Francois Swanepoel, said yesterday that four months, and many threats, after the order was made, no money had been received.

Ruwayne suffered severe brain injuries at birth due to the negligence of medical staff at the hospital and has since been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a consequence.

He was born on February 2 2008.

Following a drawn-out case, the court ordered on October 20 last year that the Department of Health had to pay Ruwayne R5.2-million in damages so that he could get proper care and to pay the cost of the lawsuit.

Eastern Cape Health Department spokesman Siyanda Manana insisted yesterday that the money had been paid on Friday and “should clear today”, saying he had the order number as proof that payment was made.

VIA - heraldlive.co.za