Independent panel to review Jalisa McGowan death

SEVEN weeks after the death of 17-year-old Jalisa McGowan under controversial circumstances, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has ordered the University Hospital of the West Indies to “provide a more detailed review of the case ... and to ­implement corrective actions”.

McGowan was rushed to the UHWI by her mom, Narda McKoy, while experiencing an asthma attack on the night of Friday, February 26.

It is alleged that McGowan was denied treatment for nearly two hours at the UHWI and was eventually transferred by McKoy and her husband to the Andrews Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton has instructed the board to appoint an independent panel to lead a further review of McGowan’s death.

“The review of these reports has shown that there is a need for interventions to improve patient flow and to ensure prompt recognition and treatment of patients with severe manifestations of illnesses,” the ministry said on Thursday.