Death of young boy leads to threats against paediatric staff

Security forces attached to the island’s main general healthcare institution have been placed on heightened alert while law enforcement officers investigate threats to staff of the medical facility.

The revelation came Tuesday from Acting Director of Medical Services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Dr Clyde Cave in response to a video circulating on social media in which staff of the Paediatric Department are being threatened with grievous bodily harm.

“Due to our commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality we cannot speak to any allegations made, but we do wish to advise that threats against the safety and wellbeing of our staff are taken very seriously.  To this end hospital security forces have been placed on heightened alert and the Barbados Police Service has been engaged to investigate the matter at hand,” Dr Cave announced in a statement.

He said that in spite of the current COVID environment and other challenges faced, hospital management is assuring the public that the team remains committed to providing safe, quality, patient-centred healthcare to Barbadians and visitors alike.

“However, despite our best efforts, there will be cases that are exceedingly difficult. Even in such circumstances, our medical and nursing teams continue to give of their best in these high-pressured situations, and we assure you that the best care available is always provided,” the senior medical specialist said.

Barbados TODAY understands the incident involves a young boy who is suspected to have died from a COVID-related illness.

“We ask that you treat our staff with the courtesy and respect they deserve as additional threats of violence will only serve to create an untenable environment of fear,” Dr Care warned.

He said the board, management and staff of the QEH extend their deepest sympathies to the family of the patient referenced in the video as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved one.

“While we empathise with the family, under no circumstances will threats or acts of violence directed towards members of staff be condoned. Any and all such threats will be taken seriously and those guilty of such, prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the Medical service head warned. emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb