Johannesburg – Nelspruit Medi-Clinic will appeal against a decision by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that it was liable for damages suffered by a man who was admitted in hospital with malaria, the Citizen reported on Saturday.

George Vermeulen, 45, of White River, was admitted to the hospital in a critical state in May 2007, after being diagnosed with malaria following a trip to Mozambique.

He developed pressure sores on his heels and his lower back. A septic wound formed on his lower back that was so large his doctors could put a fist inside it.

Judge Billy Mothle granted Medi-Clinic leave to appeal against his ruling last year.

He had ruled that the hospital was liable for the injuries sustained by Vermeulen, due to negligence of the hospital and its nursing staff.

Vermeulen instituted claims for damages of almost R4m for his pain, suffering, disability and medical costs.

Mothle said the matter was of substantial importance to Medi-Clinic as it affected the conduct of its business in various other hospitals with the potential to attract liability claims.

– SAPA