GPHC launches investigation after patient jumped to her death

The female patient who died on Sunday evening after jumping from a window at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) was admitted to the hospital, where she had gone to the emergency department complaining of headaches and displaying “abnormal behaviour”, the hospital has said in a statement.

The GPHC said it is conducting an internal investigation into patient safety and mental health monitoring protocols.

The hospital said the woman had been admitted to a medical ward after presenting to the emergency department on Saturday.

According to GPHC, the patient was assessed by an internal medicine team and later referred for psychiatric evaluation due to observed behavioural concerns.

Psychiatric services were provided, the GPHC said, and at the time of assessment, no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified.

At about 18:55 hrs on Sunday, an alarm was raised indicating that the patient had jumped through a window on the female medical ward. Hospital staff responded immediately, but the patient was pronounced dead at the scene.

The GPHC said they have offered psychosocial and psychiatric support to both relatives and staff affected by the incident.

GPHC said it has launched a full internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death and will review existing protocols related to patient observation and mental health monitoring, including suicide watch policies, to identify areas for strengthening patient safety.

The hospital extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.