Mother’s death to be referred to medical council
Stabroek News
October 15, 2003

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The administration of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) has completed the investigation into the death of young mother, Somatie Singh and a decision has been taken to forward the matter to the Medical Council of Guyana.

Singh, of Mahaicony Creek, died on September 29 after she was forced to walk to the washroom instead of being given a bedpan which she and her relatives had repeatedly asked for.

The woman had a pre-existing heart condition which doctors said required her to wear an oxygen mask at all times.

Relatives say this was reportedly removed by a nursing assistant.

The assistant denies this. However, she and a nurse have been sent on leave. An investigation was launched into the death after relatives protested over the manner in which she was treated.

A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said yesterday the hospital and the Guyana Nurses Association took the decision to submit the report to the Medical Council.

Director of Medical and Professional Services at the GPHC, Dr Madan Rambarran said that the investigation had been concluded and it had been recommended that the findings be taken to the Medical Council to determine whether a further investigation was necessary.

According to the release, the initial investigation was based on whether correct procedures were followed.

The Council is expected to conduct a separate investigation and make the necessary recommendations to the GPHC.

The Council meets once a month, however, according to the release an impromptu meeting can be called whenever an urgent matter arises.

The Council will be expected to determine and recommend whether required administrative and medical procedures were followed.

Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Michael Khan told GINA in an invited comment that the hospital would pass on the relevant information to the Council on Friday.

The nurses association had last week requested a meeting with hospital administrators, claiming that they were excluded from the initial investigation and therefore could not accept the findings.