The original article can be found in: Trinidad Guardian By Yvonne Webb
Almost one year after she was fired as Chief Executive Officer of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) for not issuing suspension letters to medical professionals under investigation in the death of a young mother, Paula Chester-Cumberbatch has been appointed in the same position, only this time in the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA). In light of this, former acting medical director of the San Fernando General Hospital, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, whose contract was also not renewed after speaking out about the injustice meted out to Chester-Cumberbatch is calling for his reinstatement.
Chester-Cumberbatch confirmed yesterday that she received the letter of offer on Monday evening and was in the process of reviewing the agreement to sign and return. She is expected to take up official duties on Ash Wednesday. “It’s a good end. It is a beautiful and lovely Valentine gift,” she said, yesterday, adding, “I hope to be in Tobago by next week.” Chester-Cumberbatch was sent packing on March 16, 2010, days after then Minister of Health Therese Baptiste-Cornelis announced at a news conference the suspension of ten doctors and nurses in the death of Chrystal Boodoo-Ramsumair, only to find out that the official letters were not conveyed to them prior to her announcement.
Boodoo-Ramsumair, 28, died at the San Fernando General Hospital after giving birth by caesarean section. To stave off legal action, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan intervened in late 2010 and rehired Chester-Cumberbatch as a consultant with the Ministry to establish a primary clinical care facility to assess the operational aspects of all RHA’s with the aim of bringing them up to a higher level. She said she had no regrets about the course of action that occurred within the past year.
“I have no regrets. I am spiritual and everything for me is in keeping with the Father’s will and his plan for me. I don’t ever question Almighty God. I thank him for his mercies. I am an obedient child and I am always moving upwards, onwards and forward.” About the move to Tobago, Chester-Cumberbatch said she applied for the post when it was advertised last year. She was interviewed in December and received the offer on February 13.
“I am nationalistic. Anywhere I am needed to improve the service and the development of the country, its there I will go. Tobago is special for me. My family, on my father’s side is from Tobago, so I am looking forward to getting to know the Gordon’s and the Cruickshank’s,” she said. During her interview, she revealed, “ I had to make a presentation on improving the quality of life, the quality of healthy of the people of Tobago and that is what I am doing— my bit to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in Tobago.
