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Durban – A Durban man, whose kidney was erroneously discarded by a private hospital, has now been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Derrick Rodgers, a 56-year-old businessman, recently discovered Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital had mistakenly discarded his kidney following a surgical procedure.
Now, Rodgers says the loss of the kidney led to a two-month delay in his histology report which could have sped up his diagnosis.
"Maybe if they had known about this earlier my condition could have been treated better. But instead I have to try to come to terms with this. I have been told chemotherapy will not help and the cancer has spread too much."
Rodgers on Monday told News24 that he and his family were struggling to come to terms with it.
"I cannot explain how pained I am at the moment. First they lost my organ and now I have to find out I have been given a death sentence."
Rodgers added that while the hospital had publicly offered him assistance, it had become a logistical nightmare to redeem any support.
"In the media they have claimed they will assist me in any way possible. But when my attorney and I have tried, the people we have been referred to are not there. There is always some kind of excuse. For the record I have received no assistance whatsoever from the hospital."
When contacted for comment, St Augustine’s said: "In response to your enquiry, please note the lawyers representing Mr Rodgers and Netcare are in discussions regarding [his] matter. In the circumstances, Netcare is not in a position to provide further comment."
