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GPHC raises alarm over upsurge in suicide attempt cases at hospital
…as 70-year-old man plunges to death from ward
(Kaieteur News) – The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has expressed concern over the recent increase in suicide attempt cases being treated at the institution, as it confirmed the death of a 70-year-old male patient who plunged from a ward on Thursday.
In a statement yesterday, the hospital said the man was admitted on February 8, 2026, after sustaining a self-inflicted injury to his neck. He underwent emergency surgery, including repair of a right-sided pharyngeal injury and placement of a tracheostomy.
According to GPHC, the patient remained under close medical management during his stay and was placed on suicide watch with ongoing psychiatric monitoring and support.
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
The hospital said that on February 26, 2026, approximately 12:41 hours, the patient reportedly jumped from a second-floor ward area. GPHC said the patient was immediately attended to by medical staff and rushed to the Accident and Emergency Department, where advanced resuscitative measures were initiated.
“Clinical assessment revealed severe traumatic injuries, and despite aggressive intervention, including ventilatory support, administration of blood products, and vasopressor therapy, the patient’s condition deteriorated. He subsequently went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 14:10 hrs.,” the hospital said.
An internal review has since been launched to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The hospital extended condolences to the man’s family and loved ones and urged members of the public experiencing emotional distress to seek assistance from qualified healthcare professionals or available support services.
In light of the incident, the hospital said, “[it] is also concerned by a recent upsurge in suicide attempt cases being managed at the hospital, including among vulnerable populations.”
The institution said its clinical teams are actively providing care, close monitoring and enhanced safety measures for patients experiencing mental health distress, while collaborating with national mental health services and other partners to ensure timely intervention.
Just last month, a 22-year-old woman ended her life by jumping through the window of the female medical ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Marrisa Eastman of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, who was six months pregnant, jumped to her death. She was admitted to the hospital after relatives became concerned about what they described as her increasingly abnormal behaviour.
Eastman was under observation at the hospital. She reportedly made a Facebook post and was also live prior to the incident. Following the incident, her relatives rushed down to the hospital, some of them inconsolable. Police were also summoned to the scene as they conducted their own investigation.
In a statement, the hospital had said that it was conducting a full internal investigation and that when the woman was admitted, a psychiatric evaluation was done, but there were no psychotic symptoms or suicidal thoughts identified.
It also said that as part of the investigation 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.
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