Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
The mother of nine-year old Jace Paul is now planning his funeral.
In an interview yesterday, Shanel Paul said her son’s autopsy was performed at the mortuary of the San Fernando General Hospital.
The primary cause of death was listed as aspiration pneumonitis, focal gastritis with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and bilateral pneumonia. The secondary cause of death was listed as uncontrolled type one diabetes mellitus.
Jace, a San Fernando Boys’ Government pupil, died at his Olera Heights home on Wednesday, less than three hours after he was discharged from the San Fernando General Hospital.
His mother said he was discharged at 1 pm but began vomiting through his nose and mouth around 2.15 pm, and less than an hour later he was dead. She claimed he was not properly diagnosed and treated at the hospital, and his death was caused by negligence and intends to seek legal advice.
Paul returned to the San Fernando General Hospital yesterday to file a formal complaint but was told to return today.
The mother said she has not finalised funeral arrangements but it is likely to be held next week.
Jace was her only child.
She said she first took him to the San Fernando hospital on July 1 after he complained of chest pains.
The mother was not satisfied with the treatment he was receiving, so she discharged him and took him to the Eric Williams Sciences Complex, where he was warded from July 9 to 14.
Days later, he began vomiting blood and she took him back to the SFGH, where he was warded for two weeks before he was discharged on Wednesday.
During his hospitalisation, Paul said her son was diagnosed with bronchitis, a chest infection and pneumonia.
The mother said he was treated with at least ten types of antibiotics, in addition to other medication. But she said apart from an X-ray and blood work, no other tests were done.
In an initial response on Wednesday, the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) said a preliminary report had been generated and a further case review was underway by their Quality Improvement Department.
“However, based on details obtained thus far, SWRHA is satisfied that all standard protocols were adhered to,” the SWRHA said.
The authority has expressed condolences and commiserated with the relatives.