Family wants probe, medical records

In the letter to Groome-Duke dated August 15, Martin Anthony George and Company indicated that their clients (Resa and Karena Smart) have indicated their consent to have their mother’s medical records released.

They are also calling for an independent team of medical experts to conduct a full and thorough public investigation into this matter.

The attorneys said they hoped the said records and notes will be released no later than tomorrow and delivered to their offices in Scarborough. They asked that Groome-Duke submit a response no later that Friday. The attorneys indicated that in accordance with the provisions of pre-action protocols as set out in the amended Civil Proceedings Rules (1998), there will be no further notice or warning.

The ruling of Justice Frank Seepersad in the matter of Chantal Williams v TRHA was cited as a precedent in this case.

They said Sammy Smart was admitted to the Scarborough Regional Hospital on April 24 to undergo minor surgery to remove a boil on the lower right side of her chest.

The attorneys claimed the procedure was done without anaesthetic and not in a surgical theatre. They said two days after the procedure, Sammy Smart suffered two heart attacks. The attorneys said Sammy Smart had no previous history of heart disease.

They said for the last four months, Sammy Smart has been in a comatose state at the hospital.

The attorneys said the TRHA has not offered her family any explanation as to what medical negligence disaster and medical calamity has befallen her.