Maternal death investigation at New Amsterdam Hospital reaching final stages – RHO

Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Vineshri Khirodhar has confirmed that the investigation into the recent maternal death at the New Amsterdam Hospital, where 32-year-old Latoya Griffith and her one-day-old baby both died, is now at an advanced stage and awaiting final review by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Latoya Griffith, a 32-year-old mother of three, died at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital on November 20, just one day before her baby also passed away.
Family members say negligence and claim that the medical system failed both mother and baby. They have called for a full investigation.
According to the RHO, there must first be an internal review that follows national protocol.
Her comments came after requests at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting on Thursday for information on the finding of the investigation.
Dr Khirodhar told the RDC that strict national protocols govern maternal and neonatal death investigations, and the RHO cannot independently comment until the process is completed.
“There is an internal investigation… The RHO cannot be investigating a maternal and child death by herself. There is a protocol,” she emphasised.
She explained that the hospital must first conduct its internal review, after which the findings are examined by the Chief Medical Officer.
“The CMO, who is the highest charge of the medical system in this country, summons another investigation and makes a deliberation. When the CMO deliberates and makes this decision, then the RHO is given liberty to speak,” she told the Council.
Dr Khirodhar confirmed that the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh, is scheduled to be in Region Six today to finalise the investigation.
“The CMO will be in Berbice tomorrow [Friday] morning at 09:30h, and I will be having that deliberation. When the investigation is concluded, all relevant parties seeking answers will get them,” she assured.
The RHO said she recognises the public concern surrounding the maternal death and committed that full information will be released once the official findings are in her possession.