GPHC launches investigation following infant’s death

Just one day after this publication reported on the concerns raised by Simone Bacchus—the aunt of Zoraida Bacchus, the mother who tragically lost her newborn at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)—the health facility has announced that, in response to public concern and media coverage, it has launched a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the case.
In a press release issued by the GPHC, the hospital expressed deep regret over the outcome and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients. The review includes evaluations by the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Nursing, and Pathology, along with a formal Quality Improvement investigation.
According to the release, preliminary findings by the GPHC indicate that Bacchus, a 26-year-old first-time mother with a medical history, was referred to GPHC from the Diamond Hospital at 38 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Given her risk factors, labour was induced in accordance with standard medical protocols.
She delivered a male infant at 23:00h on April 29, 2025. The GPHC stated that the delivery was complicated by shoulder dystocia (a condition described by Cleveland Clinic as when one or both of the baby’s shoulders get stuck inside the pelvis during childbirth).
The complication was promptly and appropriately managed by the clinical team. The newborn, weighing 4,385 grams, was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with respiratory distress, presumed neonatal sepsis, and perinatal depression.
Throughout April 30, the infant was reported to be clinically stable, with normal vital signs documented until the final assessment at 20:00h. However, at approximately 22:50h, the baby was found cyanotic and pulseless. Immediate resuscitative measures were undertaken, but despite the team’s best efforts, the infant was pronounced dead at 23:23h.
The hospital noted that a preliminary pathology report identified an interventricular heart defect and respiratory distress as contributing factors. Additional diagnostic results, including pending blood cultures, are still being processed. In light of the findings, the GPHC extended its condolences to the family.
“We understand Ms Bacchus’s desire for answers, and we are actively working with the family to share the outcomes of the ongoing investigations as they are finalised. GPHC extends heartfelt condolences to Ms Zoraida Bacchus and her family following the tragic passing of her newborn son on April 30, 2025. We recognise the immense grief this loss has caused and are committed to transparency, accountability, and ongoing communication,” the statement read.
The hospital emphasised that all possible measures were taken to stabilise and support the infant, including NICU care, ventilatory support, and administration of antibiotics. However, it acknowledged that some congenital conditions may not be apparent or preventable, even with appropriate care.
The case, according to the GPHC is being used as an opportunity to review and, where necessary, strengthen clinical protocols and systems to ensure continuous improvement in patient care.
“We continue to extend our sincere support to Ms Bacchus and her family during this difficult time. In the interest of the grieving family and the integrity of the investigation, we respectfully urge the public to refrain from speculation until all findings are complete.”

Allegations
Since the passing of the child, Zoraida Bacchus has been seeking answers from the GPHC. It is alleged that she was given three tablets and later placed on saline drips, after which labour pains began. According to her aunt Simone, due to the baby’s large size, the infant became stuck in the birth canal. One nurse allegedly applied pressure to the mother’s abdomen while another attempted to extract the baby.
During this process, the mother reported hearing a sound she described as a “pax.” The baby did not cry upon delivery, though she claimed to hear a mellow groaning. Doctors later informed her that the baby had lost oxygen during the delivery.
The family told this publication that medical staff placed the baby on oxygen with a mask and reassured the mother that it would be removed in a few hours and she would be able to breastfeed. However, while she was resting, the mother received a call from the doctor informing her that her baby had died.
The family also alleged that she was transferred to another ward on a lower level and to her surprise, discovered the baby’s body placed in a box outside the hospital yard near a post – Investigations into the reasons for why the baby was placed in the cardboard box have not been disclosed as yet.
Following her request for the body to be moved, the baby was subsequently placed on a chair inside the hospital. She was told that the baby would need to be taken to the mortuary and that she should return the next day for the postmortem examination.
The mother has since raised concerns about a sound she heard during delivery, which she believes may indicate the baby’s arm was broken. Her aunt has called the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death “suspicious” and is demanding more detailed answers from the GPHC.