GPHC launches internal probe into Liliendaal fatal accident

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has launched an internal probe into the accident at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Sunday which led to the death of a sanitisation worker.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony would have expressed condolences to the family of 29-year-old Kevin Smith.
“Police are investigating the matter. The Georgetown Public Hospital is also conducting an internal probe into the accident,” a release from the Minister stated.
Smith, of Cummings Lodge, ECD, was part of a team of sanitation workers who were contracted to clean the hospital. He was employed with ROK Construction, which is currently completing works on the structure.
At about 08:00h on the day in question, the now dead man reported for work and began to clean the lower flat of the building, while other workers were cleaning the third flat. However, at about 13:00h, he was asked to take some cleaning materials to the third flat.
As such, he used the stairs to the third flat to deliver the items. Upon doing so, he reportedly used to the metal lift located on the northern side of the building to return to the ground floor.
In doing so, the cord from the metal lift reportedly burst, thus causing the lift to go down at a fast rate of speed. Smith reportedly received injuries and was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was seen by a doctor on duty but died while receiving treatment. Doctors have since confirmed that the injured man sustained severe internal injuries as a result of the fall.
His body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing.
In July, two construction workers were also injured after a shed collapsed due to heavy winds at the Liliendaal facility – which is presently being renovated to function as a COVID-19 hospice care facility.
The shed was in the process of being dismantled when it suddenly collapsed, pinning the two men underneath. The men were quickly rescued and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they were medically examined.