Why is Derick Hougaard in a govt hospital? Nadine explains…

It’s been ten days since former Springboks player Derick Hougaard has been in a coma in ICU. But according to his girlfriend, Afrikaans singer Nadine, his family and doctors are keeping a positive attitude.

In a Facebook post, Nadine shared a health update about the retired rugby star, including news his lungs had collapsed.

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DERICK HOUGAARD: HEALTH UPDATE

In the post on Wednesday, 21 June, Nadine shared both the good and bad news of Derick Hougaard’s condition.

She shared: “His left lung collapsed three days ago, and yesterday the lower part of his right lung. His lung specialist did a second bronchoscopy and turned Derick twice in 3 days, which helps his lungs breathe in different positions.

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The good news was that Derick was responding to medication.

She continued: “After yesterday’s treatment, it is possible for the doctors to better determine what bacteria still needs to be treated, and with the infection count lower than any previous day, they know the antibiotics are working well.”

WHY IS HE IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL?

While state hospitals are the norm for many South Africans, many social media users questioned by the prominent public figure did not seek private medical care.

Nadine explained: “For those asking why Derick is at Steve Biko Academic Hospital: It was the (amazing) ambulance staff who suggested it when we urgently needed to decide where to go, and I trust their insight in such a situation more than my own. They said that he had to go directly into the intensive care unit (ICU) and would have to stay indefinitely.

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She continued: “I am THANKFUL Derick was admitted there because I can attest that the doctors and nurses are fantastic in this department. I believe Derick gets the best treatment and care there!

“In addition, he is too critical to be moved at all, and therefore no scans are currently being done, except for X-rays of his lungs. He is stable, but his lungs are extremely ill, so we are constantly praying for healing, for oxygen and less carbon dioxide in his body.

DERICK HOUGAARD ‘DECLINED’ MEDICAL AID

According to Derick Hougaard’s friend Louis Liebenberg, the retired rugby player declined an offer to be put on his medical aid.

He said in a Facebook comment to Derick’s mom Riana: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. How could the ‘Liefling van Loftus’ be in ICU in a government hospital?

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Louis also claimed that he had financially supported Derrick through a difficult situation a year ago. He also claimed he had his best interests at heart.

“Even now,” he added.