GPHC denies mistreatment of 2-year-old

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has distanced itself from a Facebook post that alleged a two-year-old baby and his grandmother spent hours waiting at the hospital before they accessed any medical care.

According to the Facebook post, the child was transferred from the Lethem Regional hospital in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) after that hospital could not provide the care he needed. Both the child and his grandmother are reportedly from the Nappi village in Region Nine.

A press release from the hospital stated that based on a “copious review” of patient records, the baby was triaged at 18:31 hrs on Wednesday and registered at 18:39 hrs.

It was then reported that immediately after being registered, the patient was assessed and taken to the hospital’s Oral Rehydration Unit (ORU) where he received fluids and medication.

Importantly, it was pointed out that some of the symptoms the patient presented with required that a COVID-19 test be taken to determine where the patient should be admitted.

Though the hospital did not disclose the specifics of the patient’s diagnosis and medical management, the press release said that the management of the hospital was assured that the staff utilised the “most appropriate course of actions” to determine the patient’s admission needs.

And, it was related that the baby was assessed by several specialists and undertook several laboratory tests, a CT scan and other examinations.

“…these processes take time, however, it is necessary for determining the best course of treatment for the patient. In the interim, we do have systems in place for more immediate interventions which were utilised in this case,” the release stated.

Meanwhile, responding to allegations of prejudice, the GPHC said that no such actions are condoned.

“…our first obligation is always to provide care irrespective of the patient’s perceived race, gender or class,” the hospital stated.

But, the hospital also said, “…we remain committed to swiftly investigate and resolve any allegations of discrimination against our patients.”

The hospital also urged patients and their relatives to be mindful of the procedures that must be followed to determine the appropriate course of treatment and care.