Latest update January 20th, 2026 12:33 AM
GPHC launches probe into woman jumping to death
…to review existing protocols on mental health monitoring
(Kaieteur News) – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday evening announced that it has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of Marisa Eastman who jumped from a window in the female ward.
In the statement the hospital said that it has initiated “a full internal investigation” and as part of the process, “the hospital will also review existing protocols related to patient observation and mental health monitoring, including suicide watch policies, to identify any areas for strengthening patient safety.”
Dead: Marisa Eastman.
The GPHC expressed its regret at having to confirm the death of the patient who was admitted to the institution and was being looked after in the medical ward. The GPHC explained that Eastman visited the Emergency Department on the 17th of January with complaints of headaches and abnormal behaviour and was subsequently admitted for further evaluation and management. She was reviewed by the Internal Medicine team and referred for psychiatric assessment due to observed behavioural concerns. Psychiatric services were attended, and the patient was assessed and managed accordingly, GPHC explained. At the time of assessment, no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified, GPHC said.
“At approximately 6:55 p.m. on Sunday, January 18th, an alarm was raised, giving the indication that the patient had jumped through a window on the Female Medical Ward. Hospital personnel responded immediately, but the patient was pronounced dead at the scene.” “Hospital officials have met with the patient’s family and will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available. Psychosocial and psychiatric support services have also been offered to the family and staff affected by this tragic incident,” it added.
Furthermore, the hospital has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. Also, in a statement to the media on Monday police said that an investigation has been launched into the incident. Police said enquiries disclosed that while a nursing assistant was administering medication to another patient in the ward, the victim was observed lying on her bed covered with a sheet. “Moments later, an alarm was raised after the victim was seen outside a window where she reportedly fell to the ground below,” police added. She was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty and the body was escorted to the hospital’s mortuary where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination, as investigations continue.
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