Woman who had ankle surgery died from pulmonary embolism – RHO

Forty-five-year-old Patricia Thomas, who died on June 12^th hours after she received treatment at the Enmore Regional Hospital for a broken ankle, died as a result of a pulmonary embolism, according to Regional Health Officer Dr Gavinash Persaud.

However, Dr Persaud told Kiskadee Watch that an investigation into the woman’s death is still underway.

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to an artery in the lung.

Contacted, the woman’s husband, Ottis Joseph, told this publication that following the post- mortem examination on Thursday the family was informed that it was inconclusive and that samples from the woman were taken to be sent overseas for further testing. He said while the family was given the go ahead to bury the woman, whose funeral will be today, they were told the results from the samples will not be back until another three weeks.

Joseph said the family also met with the head doctor at the Enmore Hospital who told him that the investigation is continuing.

He also clarified that his wife died at the Woodlands Hospital.

“I don’t know if she died at the hospital really or in the car but the last time we (took) her to the hospital she went to Woodlands,” he said.

Thomas, 45, had visited the Enmore Hospital on June 19 for a follow-up examination after undergoing surgery for a broken ankle she sustained when she reportedly slipped on wet tiles while using an ATM.

Joseph had told Kiskadee Watch that during the visit doctors removed her plaster cast and some of the stitches from the surgical wound. He said Thomas complained of pain and was given medication before being discharged.

According to Joseph, hours after returning home, Thomas experienced shortness of breath and was rushed back to the hospital. He said doctors conducted a series of tests, including examinations of her heart and blood, and informed the family that no abnormalities had been detected before discharging her for a second time.

However, shortly after arriving home, Thomas collapsed and was taken this time to Woodlands, where she was later pronounced dead.

“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 had said.