Mandela Ambulance Broke Down

Former president Nelson Mandelawas forced to wait 40 minutes in an ambulance which had broken down on the side of the highway on the night he was hospitalised, CBS News has reported. 

Mandela, 94, was hospitalised on 8 June to treat a recurring lung infection.

The presidency confirmed the incident but said Mandela's health was not compromised and that his doctors were satisfied the former president suffered no harm.

CBS News correspondent Debora Patta also quoted sources as saying that the former president’s liver and kidneys are functioning at 50%. Mandela also apparently had to have a procedure to repair a bleeding ulcer and another to insert a tube. 

“We also understand that Mandela family members are discussing just how much medical intervention is enough for an old and very sick man,” CBS News stated.

On Thursday, Madiba’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, said his grandfather was looking well and was expected to be going home soon. Former president Thabo Mbeki was also quoted as saying that Mandela’s health was improving. 

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Mandela-unresponsive-report-20130622

Update on former President Nelson Mandela’s health

22 June 2013

Former President Nelson Mandela remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The former president was admitted to hospital on the 8th of June. The Presidency thanks the public for support and for respecting the privacy of the former president and his family. 

We confirm the media reports that the military ambulance transporting Madiba had an engine problem on the 8th and that the doctors are satisfied that the former president suffered no harm during this period.

The fully equipped military ICU ambulance had a full complement of specialist medical staff including intensive care specialists and ICU nurses. The convoy also included two quick response vehicles.

When the ambulance experienced engine problems it was decided that it would be best to transfer to another military ambulance which itself was accompanied for the rest of the journey by a civilian ambulance.

All care was taken to ensure that the former president Mandela's medical condition was not compromised by the unforeseen incident. 

We appeal again that his privacy be respected and that he be accorded the doctor-patient confidentiality that all patients are entitled to in terms of medical ethics.

We thank the media for cooperation during this period.

Enquiries: Mac Maharaj on +27 79 879 3203 / Mac maharaj@icloud.com.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=15602