-family wants full probe
The family of a 45-year-old Industry, East Coast Demerara woman is calling for a thorough investigation after she died on Friday night, hours after receiving treatment at the Enmore Regional Hospital.
Patricia Thomas had visited the hospital on June 19 for a follow-up examination related to an ankle injury for which she had previously undergone surgery.
When contacted by Kiskadee Watch, Regional Health Officer Dr Gavinash Persaud confirmed that the health authorities are aware of the death and that an investigation has been launched.
“I am aware of the matter and an investigation is ongoing,” Persaud said, adding that he could not comment further until the probe is completed.
According to her husband, Ottis Joseph, Thomas had suffered a broken ankle after slipping while using an ATM.
“It was raining and the tile was slippery and she fall and break she ankle,” Joseph said.
He told Kiskadee Watch that Thomas was initially taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital where surgery was performed on the injured ankle. A splint and plaster cast were subsequently applied before she was discharged. She was instructed to return to the hospital on June 19 for a follow-up appointment.
Joseph said that during the visit, the plaster cast was removed and some stitches were taken out. He recalled that his wife complained of pain and was given medication before being discharged.
After returning home, Joseph said he left briefly to attend to work-related matters. However, at around 6 pm he received a telephone call from Thomas’s daughter, who informed him that her mother was experiencing shortness of breath and was being taken back to the hospital.
He said he immediately went to the facility where doctors conducted tests, including examinations of her heart and blood.
According to Joseph, the family was subsequently informed that no abnormalities had been detected and Thomas was again discharged.
“I helped her up the stairs and put her to lie down. A little while later I hear she call for she daughter and when I run in the room, the woman just blackout,” he recounted.
The family rushed her back to the hospital, where she was reportedly gasping for breath. Despite efforts by medical personnel, Thomas later died.
“I want to know how my wife died. She wasn’t sick. She was a strong woman doing she thing. Everybody shocked. We want a thorough investigation,” Joseph said.
He also said that his wife had complained about difficulties encountered while anaesthesia was being administered before her surgery.
“My wife told me that one man was juking and juking about seven times and couldn’t get it right. Then another person come and bore one time and it was done,” he said.
Joseph, a Grenadian national, said he and Thomas had been together for approximately three years and married a year ago after he relocated permanently to Guyana.
He was booked to visit Grenada on August 2nd with the intention of returning to Guyana but now with Thomas’ death the grieving man said he may not return.
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