The recent death of 14-year-old Anna Shay Campbell at the Spanish Town Hospital while giving birth has ignited public outrage and raised questions about the quality of care and empathy in Jamaica's healthcare system. Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton expressed concern over the lack of compassion displayed towards Campbell, noting that more could have been done to ease her distress.

Tufton raps hospitals for lack of compassionate care after death of pregnant teen

Jamaica Gleaner/19 Dec 2024/Ruddy Mathison

MINISTER OF Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton is raising concerns over the quality of care and compassion provided to hospital patients, particularly in distressing situations, in the wake of the recent death of 14-year-old Anna Shay Campbell.

CAMPBELL DIED at the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine while giving birth.

Speaking after touring the Spanish Town Hospital to introduce the new electronic health record system, Tufton acknowledged the tragedy and said the matter was currently under investigation. The hospital authorities are expected to produce a full report on the incident within six months, after which it will go to the regional body for further action.

“We have to try a lot harder to deliver care with compassion, band in this case, based on my interaction with the mother, I believe that more could have been done, and should have been done, to provide her at least with a level of comfort while recognising the distress she was in,” the minister said.

Tufton further highlighted that the lack of empathy in healthcare delivery is an issue across the health system.

“Generally speaking, across the health system, there are too many cases where the compassionate component of understanding the grief of our citizens or patients is not nearly what it should be,” he remarked.

Tufton disclosed that he personally observed interactions during his visit to the hospital and was dissatisfied with the level of care shown.

“Having experienced some of the interactions, I am not comfortable that enough was done,” he admitted.

OUTCOME CRITICAL

On the technical side, Tufton said the outcome of the autopsy and the hospital’s investigation is critical.

He added, “I have asked the chief medical officer to spend some time looking at the situation, and if it means that it has to go to an independent panel for further assessment, we will refer it to an independent panel.”

The incident has sparked outrage among Anna Shay Campbell’s family members. Last Tuesday, her mother and other relatives staged a protest outside the hospital gates, demanding answers and accountability.

The Gleaner understands that the baby Anna Shay was carrying survived and is reportedly doing well at the Spanish Town Hospital.

Tufton sought to assure the public that the Ministry of Health and Wellness is committed to addressing the issues of customer care and empathy in the healthcare system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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