Editorial: Why did Chrystal have to die?

A photo of better times. Chrystal with one of her children

Why did Chrystal Ramsoomair have to die in the prime of her life?

According to media reports the young woman had a normal pregnancy and went to the San Fernando General Hospital for what is considered to be a routine medical procedure - a C-section to deliver her baby.

In hospitals, clinics and nursing homes everywhere this is a procedure done every day. But it was far from routine last week if the result of the autopsy is accurate.

According to media reports the cause of death was "hypovolaemic shock, poor hysterectomy, and Caesarean Section". Hypovolaemic shock happens when there is severe blood loss and the heart is unable to pump blood through the body.

The family reported that no one seemed to be aware of the grave danger when the woman was returned to the ward, although she complained of feeling dizzy.

It was the woman's mother - not a nurse or doctor - who discovered the massive blood loss and raised an alarm, following which medical personnel gave Chrystal blood and performed what seems to be a botched hysterectomy ("poor hysterectomy" is what the autopsy stated).

What is even more shocking about this case is that it seems that medical professionals mistakenly cut two arteries during the delivery and were unaware of the source of the blood loss until the autopsy.

We trust that the "complete investigation" promised by Chief Medical Officer Dr Anton Cumberbatch is done speedily and that immediate action is taken to deal with what appears to be a clear case of medical negligence.

It's not good enough for the Ministry of Health to merely contact the family to "discuss their concerns" and offer "all necessary counselling".

A young woman has died. A family has been shattered. A baby has come into this world without a mother and three young children will have to grow up without knowing their mother's love.

No amount of "counselling" will repair the damage or bring back Chrystal. However, if a thorough investigation is done and appropriate action taken to deal with those responsible it might prevent a recurrence of such a grave error.

People must know that they can trust their public medical institutions. And that they can depend on those responsible for the governance of those institutions to act decisively when something goes wrong. 

Read the story: CMO orders "complete investigation" in death of woman at San F'do General Hospital