Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Investigations have started into the conduct of a staffer at Point Fortin Hospital who was involved in a verbal spat with a patient’s mother last week Thursday.
Roslyn Seeraj, a mother from Rousillac, claimed her daughter, Sadha, a Form Six student diagnosed with dengue, was verbally disrespected by hospital staff while seeking treatment.
Seeraj stated that her daughter, who had rapidly worsened, only received treatment after repeated pleas.
During the wait, Sadha collapsed. A video shared with another newspaper showed Seeraj in a heated exchange with a staff member who used derogatory language and a security guard who refused assistance.
Responding to the incident, the Southwest Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) expressed concern and confirmed that disciplinary action would be taken if the investigation revealed any misconduct.
The SWRHA emphasised that all employees were trained in the Codes of Conduct and the Patient’s Charter of Rights and Obligations, which guided interactions with patients, clients, visitors, and colleagues. The Authority stated that confirmed breaches were addressed through supervisory and management interventions.
The SWRHA clarified that, according to their records, the patient in question was triaged upon arrival, assessed, and provided with ward care within two hours.
They maintained that the interaction did not affect the delivery of clinical services, which adhered to their internationally accredited Standard Operating Procedures. The authority said the investigation is ongoing.