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Ministry of Health launches probe into maternal death
An investigation has been launched into the recent maternal death at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Last evening, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Michael Itwaru stated that the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) has launched an official investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of Marissa Lagoudoue, 24, of 41 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.
Marissa Lagadue
A formal disclosure of the findings of the medically-based investigation is expected within weeks, Itwaru disclosed. The BRHA team comprises doctors and members of the body.
Lagoudoue died at the New Amsterdam hospital two days after she gave birth prematurely. The child survived.
The relatives are saying that the young woman’s death was due to negligence. They are putting the blame squarely on the authorities of the hospital.
After giving birth on Friday evening, the woman was given two units of blood and was discharged on Sunday around 13:00 hrs, which according to relatives was too soon after she was given the blood.
According to her aunt, Candace Stuart, Lagoudoue was healthy and strong. She attended clinic on a regular basis.
Last Friday was supposed to be another clinic day for the seven-month pregnant woman. She complained of pain in the back and was advised by relatives to visit the hospital instead of the clinic.
At the hospital the woman was admitted around 09:00 hrs and relatives took her things to the hospital for her delivery. She reportedly delivered the baby around 19:30 hrs.
Everything was normal, but the woman needed blood. Even as relatives made arrangements to donate the blood she was given two units from the hospital’s blood bank.
What was strange, however, was that just after receiving the blood the woman was told that she was alright and would be discharged. Her feet were swollen so relatives questioned why she was being discharged so early.
The baby was discharged on Saturday, but the mother remained in hospital. Her feet were still swollen and her pressure was high, but surprisingly she was discharged around 13:30 hrs on Sunday.
At the Emergency Unit her condition worsened. More doctors were sent for and Marissa was administered saline and oxygen. Despite their best efforts the woman succumbed around 04:00 hrs a mere three hours after.
Itwaru disclosed that the post mortem performed at the New Amsterdam Hospital by Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan concluded that Lagoudoue died of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC).
Itwaru has met with the woman’s relatives at least twice since the incident.
He added, too, that the Maternal and Child Health Unit of the Ministry of Health (MoH) has been informed. “They also are going to help guide the investigating committee in this deliberation.”
“The BRHA always has an investigating committee made up of medical doctors and medical professionals. They would look at the medical aspect of things and they would give their findings,” the PRO told KN last evening.
“We are now looking at the data from this case—they are enquiring and we are looking to see what might have caused these things.”
This being the hospital’s first maternal death for 2014, Itwaru was a bit disappointed. “We are very startled…We were almost halfway through the year and we are going smoothly.”
“In a matter of weeks some formal disclosure should be made on this issue. We certainly regret the loss and extend regrets and condolences to the family. We are also paying attention to the well-being and welfare of the baby and so far the child is okay.” (Leon Suseran)
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