The parents of the seven babies who recently died at Port-of-Spain General Hospital will get the infants’ medical records by today for the latest—and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will be doing the independent investigation into the babies’ deaths.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed this at yesterday’s Senate sitting in response to Opposition queries on the deaths between April 4 and 7 at the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
UNC Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial-Ramdial asked whether the parents of the babies were provided with the medical notes and records requested from the hospital.
Deyalsingh said, “Yes, I’m advised by officials of the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) those files are currently being copied and hopefully the parents will have their copies by the end of the day (yesterday) or by Wednesday (today) for the latest. That’s what my advice is.”
Luchmedial-Ramdial noted that up to 4 pm on Monday there was no response to the pre-action correspondence. She asked if the ministry intervened to ensure there was no tampering, altering, or destruction of the medical notes and that the medical records were preserved and properly presented to the parents, given the time since the request was made. She also cited newspaper reports that the parents had requested records as far back as January 2024 on deaths that occurred at the NICU, and she asked if the ministry was prepared to intervene to ensure this information is given to the parents.
Deyalsingh said, “Whatever information needs to be disclosed on the advice of the attorneys will be disclosed.”
UNC Senator Wade Mark asked whether an independent investigation will be launched to determine what NICU infection prevention and control protocols were breached that resulted in the babies’ deaths.
Deyalsingh said the ministry had already engaged the Pan American Health Organization to do this probe.
On queries about the team’s composition, Deyalsingh said PAHO has requested the information the ministry has.
“Based on the information we have, then they (PAHO) would determine the composition of the team to look into the specific areas of concern. So we don’t have the composition as yet,” Deyalsingh said.
It depends on the information and data we send to them, as then they will determine what areas of speciality and concern and appoint the appropriate persons.”
Browne: Threats to schools happening too often
Government Senate leader Amery Browne also replied to Mark’s query to the Education Ministry for a status report into the investigation of death threats made to teachers and students at Barrackpore East Secondary School.
Browne said, “In every instance of threats being levelled against any school—which is happening too often in our society—the Education Ministry seeks the immediate guidance and involvement of the TTPS. The Education Ministry provides all pertinent information and operationalises any and all security plans and advice received.”
He added, “With respect to the investigations, such matters fall squarely within the remit of the TTPS and not the Education Ministry and the ministry is not authorised to speak on behalf of any investigative details. The ministry continues to work closely with the TTPS to ensure the security and safety of all students and staff members of all of T&T’s schools.”