Probe into baby’s death: Recommendations will be acted upon – Health Minister

The Health Ministry has initiated an investigation into reports that a newborn baby died at a public medical facility as a result of negligence from medical practitioners.
The child was born at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) two weeks ago and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Hours later, the baby died and a post-mortem examination stated the cause of death as perinatal asphyxia, respiratory distress, and organ failure.
Perinatal asphyxia is referred to as a lack of blood flow or gas exchange to or from the foetus in the period immediately before, during, or after the birth process.
Addressing the incident on Tuesday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated that in the event of such incidents, it was incumbent upon hospitals to make a report to the Ministry within a stipulated timeframe. However, this was not done. It was after the matter was brought to light that Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh was instructed to launch an investigation.
“Unfortunately, we did not receive any such report from the relevant hospital and the authorities in the region, but having seen the report, I have asked the Chief Medical Officer, along with technical staff of the Ministry of Health, to go West Demerara Hospital and launch an investigation as to what transpired in this particular case and to look at what recommendations can be made to ensure that the system is improved,” Dr Anthony indicated.
Presently, a team is stationed at the WDRH, where the probe is ongoing. Upon completion, the Minister said he would act upon the recommendations outlined.
“We have a team that is at the West Demerara Hospital doing this investigation. I’m looking forward to seeing the recommendations and then implementing them,” he said.
In early January, an investigation commenced at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), following a stillbirth delivery on New Year’s Day.
Advisor to the Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy had said that once an infant dies at any medical facility, an automatic investigation is done by the institution.
In addition, he noted that the report of the findings must be submitted to the Chief Medical Officer, who will then determine if he is satisfied or request an external investigation. (G12)