THE deceased spent more than 46 years in hospital without a single family visit.
Tap here to download the FREE Daily Sun App
The Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom, North West, is appealing to the public to help trace the family of Bernard Graythorne (54), who passed away on 31 October 2026.
The hospital spokesman, Nico Masiu, told Daily Sun that Bernard was transferred from a hospital in Vereeniging, Vaal on 16 May 1980, together with his brother.
But despite spending more than four decades at the facility, hospital records show that he was never visited by his family or relatives.
Now, hospital management is desperate to find his next of kin so that his family can be informed of his passing and allowed to lay him to rest.
Masiu said the hospital had no record of contact between Bernard and his relatives since his admission.
“According to our records, Bernard was transferred to Witrand Specialised Hospital from Vereeniging Hospital in 1980, together with his brother.
“Unfortunately, we have no record of any family visits or contact with his relatives since then,” Masiu said.
Hospital records identify his mum as Maria Martha Patterson, whose surname reportedly changed to Patterson after she remarried.
His biological dad is believed to have passed on before Bernard was admitted to the hospital.
The last known family address on record is 53 Howard Avenue, Benoni, Gauteng.
Masiu said the hospital is appealing to anyone who might know Bernard or his relatives to come forward.
ALSO READ: Tshuma’s guilty plea drama continues!
“We are appealing to members of the public who may have information about Bernard or his family to assist us in tracing his next of kin,” he said.
Masiu said 70% of admitted patients are intellectually challenged, 20% are pyschriatic referred, and 10% are for rehabilitation for head, spinal cord injuries and for stroke.
He said social workers have relayed to him that they have a serious challenge of patients being admitted by parents and never receiving visits for two to five years.
“We are contemplating a list of patients who are not being visited and publish it via the media,” Masiu said.
Pauper funeral looms
The hospital warned that if no relatives come forward, it will submit a report to arrange a pauper funeral.
According to Masiu, this would mean Bernard could be buried without his family having the opportunity to give him a final farewell.
Relatives or anyone with information are urged to contact the hospital social worker on 018 294 9100 or visit Witrand Specialised Hospital in Potchefstroom.
