The Ministry of Health has launched an urgent investigation into the heart-wrenching deaths of two infants at the General Hospital that have left the grieving families devastated and the wider community demanding answers.
This revelation came to light in a statement shared by the Ministry on social media on Wednesday, just one week after the death of seven-month-old Kaija St. Bernard, who passed away while being treated in the pediatric ward.
Kaija’s parents, Kevon Thomas and Asha St. Bernard, are reeling from the loss, which they believe could have been prevented. The infant was admitted to the hospital three days prior, after being diagnosed with an internal fever by a private doctor. She died in her mother’s arms approximately 10 minutes after receiving a blood transfusion.
Her parents have accused the medical staff of negligence, alleging that their little girl was not given the care she desperately needed, expressing concerns over the lack of intravenous IV drips as part of her treatment.
According to the notification of death given to parents by the General Hospital, the seven month old had a “severe exacerbation of eczema and severe protein energy malnutrition.”
Their grief and outrage were compounded by the knowledge that Kaija’s death came barely a day after another infant, a two-year-old, reportedly died while waiting for treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department.
The Ministry’s statement addressed the growing fears of medical negligence, asserting that “patient safety and well-being are its highest priorities.” It confirmed that an internal review is currently underway, seeking to uncover the truth behind these tragic events.
As part of the investigation, the Ministry has scrutinised video footage from the Accident and Emergency Department. Initial reports suggest that the healthcare providers on duty followed standard protocols and procedures during the emergencies.
To gain a clearer understanding of what happened, the Ministry has ordered autopsies for both infants and requested detailed medical reports. However, due to the sensitive nature of the cases and the legal restrictions surrounding patient confidentiality, the Ministry stated it cannot divulge specific details.
Despite the immense challenges inherent in healthcare delivery, the Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to improving the quality of care at all its facilities. The statement concluded with a solemn pledge to ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of medical care and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.
The deaths of these two innocent lives have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread calls for accountability and justice.