LITTLE Thembisa Nikelo has to learn to walk with artificial legs because doctors failed her. Hospital personnel ignored her mother's complaints about the poor treatment the toddler got.

LITTLE Thembisa Nikelo has to learn to walk with artificial legs because doctors failed her. Hospital personnel ignored her mother's complaints about the poor treatment the toddler got.

The arrogance that medical staff show to lay people lies at the bottom of the horrible mutilation this child has suffered. People in need of care are often not informed of the cause of their illnesses.

Nurses should have listened to the mother's concerns instead of looking down on her.

The culprits are hiding behind a smokescreen called "medical protocols - whatever that is - about poor care, negligence and bad practice. They have ruined Thembisa's life. This act reinforces the idea that certain hospitals are death traps.

We support Gauteng MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu, who has said disciplinary action would be taken against the medical staff responsible.