Lusaka man sues over wife’s death

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:02:00 +0000

…seeks damages for negligence over death allegedly caused by nurses at Chilenje level one Hospital

By CHINTU MALAMBO

A LUSAKA man has sued the state over the death of his wife allegedly caused by negligence of nurses at Chilenje level one Hospital.

Michael Banda, suing as administrator of the estate of late Barbara Chiimba, an employee of Zambia Army, claimed in a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court that  his wife was pregnant and admitted to Chilenje first level maternity ward on May 19th 2017.

He said on the date in question at about 06:00 hours, his wife delivered a baby boy.

“The deceased notified her mother about her delivery through a telephone conversation the very day. Upon arrival at the hospital, the deceased’s mother proceeded to the ward where she was but she was not allowed to see her daughter,” reads the statement of claim.

He indicated that around 15:00 hours when his late wife’s mother was allowed to enter the ward, she found her lying and bleeding heavily on a mattress placed on the floor.

Mr Chiimba alleged that due to the state she was in, her mother decided to clean her but was stopped by a nurse who indicated that it was her responsibility to clean patients.

He said at 19 hours, his wife was transferred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where she was admitted and was given two pints of blood.

Mr Chiimba said his wife collapsed and died due to loss of blood.

He alleges that the death was caused by negligence and breach of duty of care on the part of Chilenje hospital.

Mr Chiimba is now claiming special damages for his wife’s death.

He also wants the court to declare damages for negligence and for mental anguish and pain.