DELMAS – The Mpumalanga Department of Health has launched an investigation into allegations that staff at Bernice Samuel Hospital failed to assist a toddler who was taken to the facility with a foreign object lodged in her nose.

The investigation follows a complaint by Brakfontein Farm resident Puseletso Lebenya, who shared her experience on social media before speaking to Highveld Chronicle.

According to Lebenya, the incident occurred at about 15:55 on Saturday, 18 July 2026, when she rushed her one-year-and-11-month-old daughter to the hospital after discovering the child had inserted a small round object into her nose.

Lebenya said she registered her daughter at reception before proceeding to the casualty unit, where she allegedly found no nurses on duty.

"I asked a security guard where the nurses were, and he told me he didn't know where they were and that I should go and check their rooms," she told the publication.

She said that, after seeking assistance from other security personnel, nurses from another department were contacted.

Lebenya alleged that a nurse informed her the hospital could not assist because of ongoing renovations and that patients were being referred to nearby clinics.

"No one examined my daughter, and I wasn't given a referral letter. I left the hospital and went straight to Botleng Clinic," she said.

According to Lebenya, staff at Botleng Clinic immediately attended to her daughter.

"While I was still opening a file, they took my child into the treatment room. Before I had even finished, the nurse came back and told me the object had been removed."

The toddler was treated, discharged with medication and has since made a full recovery.

The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media, where several community members shared their experiences and opinions about services at Bernice Samuel Hospital. While Highveld Chronicle has not independently verified these claims, some commenters alleged they had experienced poor service at the hospital, while others called for improved management and greater accountability.

Responding to media enquiries from Highveld Chronicle, Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson Chris Nobela said:

"The department will conduct a full investigation into the allegations."

At the time of publication, Lebenya's allegations and the claims made by social media users had not been independently verified. Highveld Chronicle will continue to follow the matter and report on the outcome of the Department of Health's investigation.