The newborn who fell from cot at the George-town Public Hospital is expected to make a full recovery and live a normal life.
This is according to Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton, who told Stabroek News that the infant had a successful Craniotomy, which removed blood clots that had developed as a result of his fall.
On Wednesday, the hospital issued a release in which it said the infant had fallen off the cot on which he was placed an hour after his birth on November 3rd and he sustained injuries.
Norton yesterday confirmed that as a result of the fall the child, who was born to Phoulmattie Ramjattan of Unity Village, suffered a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain. However, after a four-hour brain surgery performed by Neurosurgeon Dr Amarnauth Dukhie, the child is recovering.
The minister said the parents of the child are being kept abreast of the developments in their son’s care.
“I met with the father this afternoon and we both spoke with the surgeon, who has given all assurances that the child will recover,” Norton said.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the matter has so far revealed that several persons may be culpable. A nurse has been sent on administrative leave so far.
“As the investigation continues more persons are becoming involved and some reports are changing. I’m insisting that it was not only the nurse in the room, so I need to have a report from all the persons who were there and those who were supervising including the matron and attending physician,” Norton said.
According to the minister, after all of the reports are compiled if it is determined that someone or several persons were negligent in their duty, he would be willing to call in the police to have the matter investigated and charges laid.
The report is expected to be ready “soon,” he said and will be made available to the parents.
The minister once again expressed his dissatisfaction with the incidents that have been occurring in the health sector.
“I am very uncomfortable with the incidents that have been happening and I’m uncomfortable with the lack of sanctions being administered. I am not saying we need to make anyone an example, but we need to create some sort of deterrent. We need to compel health care workers to be responsible by holding them accountable,” Norton said.
