Dear Editor,
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has noted with deep concern the report in Stabroek News of May 14, which is headlined ‘Minor surgery became major pain as hospital without “loop” remover.’
This patient was seen at the GPHC and complained of having an IUD for 30+ years. Her history indicated that a doctor in New York unsuccessfully attempted to remove this device five years ago and advised her that there was no problem leaving it in situ.
After she began experiencing bleeding and discomfort she visited GPHC to have the IUD removed.
Since it is not GPHC’s policy to discuss patients’ clinical records in the public domain we will not go into the details of the procedure; suffice it to say that the patient was advised of the difficult nature of the procedure and the possibility that it may not be successful.
We must state also that when the matter was brought to our attention by a reporter from Stabroek News, we commenced an investigation. After this, all efforts to reach the reporter who initially called about the case ‘proved futile.’ No calls were returned.
GPHC has been in contact with the patient and we have apologised for the experience she had at the institution. We have also advised her to do further checks since post-menopausal bleeding should be taken seriously.
Yours faithfully,
Mitzy Campbell
Public Relations Officer
Georgetown Public Hospital
Corporation
Editor’s note
The reporter referred to by Ms Campbell above was in the office all day and did not receive a call from the GPHC; neither was a message left with anyone for her to return a call. In addition, Ms Campbell was given the cellphone number of the reporter concerned.
