Paula heads Tobago RHA

Last March, Chester-Cumberbatch was fired over her delay in serving five doctors with suspension letters, as instructed by then Health Minister Therese Baptiste-Cornelis, following the death of Couva mother Crystal Ramsumair, 28, on March 4.

Chrystal bled to death after giving birth on the maternity ward of the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH), and two failed operations to stop the bleeding in the womb. The doctors were subsequently suspended two weeks after the young mother’s death.

Chester-Cumberbatch threatened to sue over her dismissal and sent the SWRHA a pre-action protocol letter. Khan intervened and instructed the SWRHA to pay Chester-Cumberbatch’s gratuity and nine months salary at $23,000 per month. In addition, he offered her a special post at the North-Central Regional Health Authority to draft a comprehensive plan for improvement of public health facilities in the eastern region.

Yesterday, Khan said that the mandate of the new TRHA CEO, is to administer preparation of the multi-million dollar Scarborough Hospital, for commissioning by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar by Easter.

“Mrs Chester-Cumberbatch will be the CEO of the Tobago Regional Health Authority for two years, having completed her assignment in the North-Central Regional Health Authority,” Khan told Newsday.

Commenting yesterday on Chester-Cumberbatch’s newest post, Khan said the once fired CEO, would be TRHA’s new CEO with immediate effect. “Her contract is for a period of two years and have requested that Chester-Cumberbatch take charge of ensuring the Scarborough hospital is up and ready for commissioning by Easter.

Contacted yesterday, Chester-Cumberbatch told Newsday she was interviewed by the TRHA for the CEO post on December 11.

“I am thus grateful to work with the TRHA’s board and the Division of Health and Social Services. I am also looking forward to making my contribution towards improving the health-status of the people of Tobago

and opening the new hospital,” Chester-Cumberbatch said.

Saying that she would not dwell on the past, Chester-Cumberbatch added: “I am looking forward to setting Tobago standards of care (for Trinidad to follow), realigning primary health care and strengthening delivery of health care.”