Health Ministry not to blame

“The health authorities treated Mr Phillip twice on the same day he discharged himself on his own volition. There is no guilt, there is no process to be fixed.” said Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh at the sitting of the Senate yesterday.

“Protocols were followed but unfortunately something happened in the intervening period between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday when he came back and presented on the lawn.” Deyalsingh made the statement in response to a question presented to him by Senator Wade Mark, in which he asked what steps were being taken to ensure that the people involved with Phillip’s treatment before his death would be held accountable.

Deyalsingh presented a preliminary report to the Ministry of Health yesterday.

According to the report, Phillip was admitted to the Accident and Emergency department of the PoSGH, just after 10 am on Tuesday.

He complained of suffering from pains, and said that he lived alone, and there was no one near him to take care of him. He also said that he had no money for transport or a meal.

Doctors took an X-ray and gave it to him, and told him not to leave the hospital, because his living conditions made his situation a social welfare case.

Despite specific orders to stay at the hospital, Phillip discharged himself. He was seen by an MTS guard at about 3 pm, writhing in pain on the front lawn at the hospital entrance He was once again taken into the hospital at 5.16 pm on Tuesday.

This time his vitals were taken, and he was put in a wheelchair, to be taken to an examination cubicle.

However, when doctors went to check on him, he once again disappeared.

Doctors believed that he once again discharged himself.

On Wednesday, between the hours of 1 and 2 am, he was found on the front lawn of the hospital, dead.

During the sitting of the Senate yesterday, Deyalsingh said people have the right to discharge themselves from hospital regardless of doctors’ orders.

“Officials cannot detain and constrain someone and treat them against their wishes or consent.” Deyalsingh said.

Newsday understands the North West Reigonal Health Authority (NWRHA), launched an investigation into Phillip’s death on Wednesday, however, in a conversation with CEO of the Authority, Newsday was told that they are still awaiting the results of an autopsy expected to be performed at the Forensic Science Centre, St James.

An independent investigation has also been launched by the Ministry of Health.

Relatives yesterday remained silent on Phillip’s death.