The original article can be found in: Trinidad Newsday By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON
WHILE a medical report has been submitted on the death of two-year-old Faith Henry, who died after being stung by a scorpion, Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan yesterday said the operating system at Point Fortin Area Hospital would be examined to determine, “if anything could have been done differently.”
He said a closer look would be taken “behind the medical report”. The South West Regional Health Authority was directed to investigate the circumstances of Henry’s death. After being stung last week Thursday, Faith was taken to the Chatham Health Facility by her mother Nadraka Henry.
She was given three injections but had to wait for an hour before being transferred to Point Fortin Hospital.
After showing severe distress and vomiting, Faith was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where she died on Friday.
Nadraka reported that hospital nurses told her only Sangre Grande and Princes Town district health facilities have the antidote to treat scorpion stings.
Khan said public education is needed for people living in areas where scorpions abound so they would know the precautions to take. He said prevention is important and people need to check their surroundings as well as their clothes, shoes and areas around their home and workplace which may harbour scorpions.Dr Khan also revealed his ministry has received a report on the death of newborn Jada Francis, daughter of Abbi Taylor-Francis and Jason Francis and recommendations will be made by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
He said the “preliminary report” indicates that “standard operating procedures” were followed.
The ten-pound baby was born on February 2 at San Fernando General Hospital and died from complications resulting from being stuck in the birth canal. An autopsy revealed Jada died of asphyxia. Khan said a report was submitted by the SWRHA and is now with CMO Dr Akenath Misir, who will make recommendations. He said this process should not take long.
“What is coming out is that standard operating procedures were followed. The report does not talk about attitude.” Another issue is the time it took for the patient to be seen by a doctor.
“The nurses were looking after the patient for quite a while,” Khan said.
