A Wesbank mother has accused Delft Day Hospital of negligence after her newborn son, Lee-Hogan Jooste, died four days after birth on 29 June 2025. Roonesha Jooste, 25, claims the hospital’s failure to properly check her baby led to the tragedy. Consequently, this incident is prompting renewed scrutiny of healthcare standards at the facility.
Mother’s Account of Events
On 25 June 2025, Jooste gave birth prematurely at Delft Day Hospital, although her due date was 11 July. She reported that staff discharged her and her baby after only six hours without a thorough examination. As a result, she noticed signs of jaundice, including yellow eyes and unusual sounds from her son, which underscored the negligence observed at Delft Day Hospital.
On 29 June, she returned to the hospital, where Lee-Hogan was placed on oxygen and a drip. However, lacking specialized equipment, the hospital transferred him to Tygerberg Hospital. Jooste alleges the transfer lacked an incubator, and her baby began bleeding from the mouth. Tragically, at Tygerberg, he suffered a seizure and was declared dead around 1 p.m.
Health Department’s Response
Megan Davids, spokesperson for the Western Cape Health Department, defended the hospital’s actions. For example, she stated that on 29 June 2025, at 00:05, staff responded immediately to concerns about the baby’s condition. Moreover, they began treatment and arranged a transfer to Tygerberg when the baby’s condition stabilized slightly.
“All necessary steps were taken to ensure timely care,” Davids stated.
Nevertheless, the baby’s condition deteriorated. Unfortunately, this added to the existing worries over the hospital’s negligence in the case of Lee-Hogan.
Community Outcry
The allegations of negligence at Delft Day Hospital echo ongoing community concerns. In May 2025, for instance, Delft residents protested for better treatment, highlighting systemic issues. Additionally, Jooste faced resistance when requesting her baby’s medical file, fueling calls for accountability and improved neonatal care to prevent such losses.
This tragedy underscores the need for robust healthcare protocols. In particular, addressing concerns about negligence observed at Delft Day Hospital through better training and equipment is crucial to restore trust and protect vulnerable lives. Ultimately, ensuring compassionate care can prevent future tragedies.
