‘A preventable death’ – Psychologist blames GPHC negligence for pregnant woman jumping to death

Jan 21, 2026 News

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(Kaieteur News) – The tragic death of 22-year-old pregnant woman Marisa Eastman, who jumped from the third floor of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), has sparked renewed outrage over the treatment of mental health patients and what experts describe as systemic negligence within the country’s main public health institution.

Eastman visited the Emergency Department on Sunday with complaints of headaches and abnormal behaviour and was subsequently admitted for further evaluation and management. GPHC said in a statement following her death that Eastman 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, at the time of assessment, no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified, GPHC said.

The hospital said that, “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.”

However, Developmental Psychologist, Dr. Telford Layne shared the view that the hospital staffers missed opportunities to intervene and adequately help the young woman. “They [healthcare workers on duty] knew that this young lady was a high risk the moment she was evaluated by the psychiatric department…” Dr. Layne said in an invited comment.

He continued “The moment the psychiatric personnel would have done their assessment this young lady should have been placed in observation to be monitored. Her surroundings, items in that immediate space, access to outlets or instruments should have been restricted along with ongoing psychological care to help regulate her emotions and nervous system. If possible, she could have had medication administered to bring about psychological balance so that she becomes responsive to psychological services.”

Further, the psychologist explained that that Eastman’s case was even more delicate since she was pregnant. “Any patient that comes to a health care facility seeking urgent medical care is a priority…. If that patient is a woman, pregnant and in psychological imbalance or psychotic state the priority level automatically escalates to prime health care.”

To this end, Dr. Layne believes it’s a clear case of negligence on the part of GPHC.

He said “Georgetown Hospital is notoriously known for negligent health care and unwarranted death…. The staffers there are clearly overworked and underappreciated,” he said. Additionally, the psychologist noted that any woman with self-inflicted injury or poisoning, during pregnancy, require an admission to a general hospital for level 2 critical care which means the patient requires more detailed observation or intervention including support for abnormal behaviour or post-operative care and those ‘stepping down’ from higher levels of care.

“At no time, should she be abandoned, neglected or isolated in this health care institution where she was… The family, who are not medical or psychological professionals knew and understood this. They offered to be their daughter’s, sister or aunt’s support and were sadly denied. This constitutes an intentional, neglectful culture by the institution which contributed to her demise.”

Outside of Eastman’s case, Dr. Layne noted that maternal suicide is more common than reported and there are several factors that lead to such incidence. He said there are several risk factors that have been identified that increase the likelihood of maternal suicide. These include existing mental health conditions: Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase the risk of suicide in mothers.

According to Dr. Layne, a history of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts is also a sign to look for. “Mothers who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk of attempting suicide again. Substance abuse, including drug and alcohol abuse, can increase the risk of suicide in mothers. Mothers who experience domestic violence and abuse are at an increased risk of suicide.” He said therefore that social support is imperative for pregnant women. “Mothers who lack sufficient social support from family and friends are more likely to experience feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which can ultimately increase the risk of suicide.

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• GPHC, Marisa Eastman, negligence, preventable deat, Psychologist, suicide

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