South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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A scenario is presented in which a wife's request for religious reasons, and in accordance with her husband's wishes, that her husband not be given a potentially life-saving blood transfusion was ignored by the doctors. Her husband subsequently died. The question then arose whether her husband's estate, or she as his legal proxy, could bring an action for pain and suffering and sentimental damages against the doctors on behalf of her husband. ⋯ The spouse may only claim damages for pain and suffering and sentimental damages if he or she can show that the defendants' conduct regarding the deceased directly affected the spouse concerned. Where emotional shock was caused negligently, a spouse may only recover patrimonial damages and damages for pain and suffering. Where such shock was caused by intentional conduct, additional sentimental damages may also be claimed.
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There is a paucity of data on the functioning and surgical procedures performed in rural hospitals in South Africa. ⋯ There is a great necessity to alleviate the central hospitals from the bulk of surgical procedures.
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide. It is the most prevalent cancer and leading cause of death among South African (SA) women. The increasing incidence of breast cancer is a major health concern. Until now, the distribution of breast cancer demography, stage at first presentation, and histological characterisation have not been studied in Limpopo Province, SA. ⋯ More than one-third of patients were younger than 50 years. The majority (69%) had an advanced breast cancer (stage III or IV). We recommend provision of mammography services in regional hospitals.