MPATT, PSA angry over suspensions at San F'do hospital; planning protests, legal action

The Medical Professionals Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MPATT) is holding a meeting on Friday to discuss possible legal action over the suspension of five doctors and four nurses at the San Fernando General Hospital who were involved in the care of Chrystal Ramsoomair, who died after a Cesarean Section.

MPATT has said the suspensions are unjustified and unlawful. The hospital's medical director, Dr Anand Chattergoon, shares that view as does the Public Services Association (PSA), which represents the four nurses who have been sent home.

Dr Chattergoon has said the action would cause hardships for patients. 

Already the hospital has shut down elective surgeries at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department for the two weeks that the medical staff will be under suspension. That decision has affected more than 100 women with a variety of medical complaints requiring surgery.

The PSA is planning a demonstration on the streets of San Fernando and a mass "sick-out" that may cripple the hospital. The association has demanded an apology from the health minister for taking action against nurses.

On Wednesday the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) suspended the five doctors and four nurses pending an investigation into the death of Ramsoomair. 

On Thursday the board of the regional authority fired the CEO for the delay in serving the suspension notices which were supposed to be sent out since Monday.

Pathologist Dr Hubert Daisley found that the woman bled to death. The family was told that two arteries were cut during the surgery and went unnoticed until the autopsy.

MPATT has questioned that report, saying it is inconsistent with the medical records of the attending doctors. Daisley has said he stands by his findings.

MPATT said its members will decide Friday what action itg would take. More than 350 doctors work at health institutions managed by the regional health authority.