Sir Lester Bird Medical Center
An Antiguan couple, Gretchen Saunders-Christopher and Rody Christopher, is pursuing legal action against the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and obstetrician Dr. Daryen Ephraim for alleged medical negligence that resulted in the stillbirth of their child in October 2022.
They are seeking compensation for the emotional trauma experienced, particularly Gretchen, who has been diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
The hospital attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming it was filed too late under the Public Authorities Protection Act, which allows only six months for legal action against public entities.
However, when the case was heard earlier this week, Justice Carlos Michel ruled that the limitation issue should be addressed during a full trial, as it is closely connected to the negligence claims.
The hospital and Dr. Ephraim deny the allegations and assert that they maintained a proper standard of care.
The trial is set for two days and will focus on liability and the timeliness of the lawsuit.
Attorney Wendel Alexander is representing the couple.
This hospital is know for negligence in every thing! Antigua.news, take it from me. There’s many times where people go to have their kids and they don’t even give them the attention they should be given. They don’t care about us in today’s world
Wow. I feel very bad for them. I’m happy the matter wasn’t thrown out cause it gives others hope that they can sue the government
So the hospital tried to dismiss it on a technicality? Talk about adding insult to injury! It’s good the judge saw through that. This couple has already been through so much trauma. If medical negligence is suspected, a full trial is exactly what’s needed. Let’s hope the truth comes out, because sometimes it feels like getting a straight answer from these institutions is harder than winning the lottery.
You know why I’m so happy? Somebody is pulling them up on their actions! Time enough we have some change, the necessary people will not see what we cry out for but hey!
Yes, medical negligence can contribute to stillbirth in some cases. While not all stillbirths are preventable, failures in medical care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can increase the risk or lead to a stillbirth that might otherwise have been avoided.
Here’s how medical negligence can play a role:
During Pregnancy:
Inadequate Monitoring:
Failing to monitor fetal well-being through regular check-ups, scans, and assessments of fetal movements or heart rate can miss signs of distress.
Missed or Misinterpreted Test Results:
Not recognizing or correctly interpreting results from tests like ultrasounds or blood tests can delay necessary interventions.
Failure to Manage Maternal Conditions:
Neglecting to properly manage conditions like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or infections can endanger both the mother and the baby.
Delayed or Inadequate Treatment:
Delaying or failing to provide appropriate treatment for complications or infections can have serious consequences.
During Delivery:
Errors in Delivery Management:
Incorrect handling of complications like breech presentation, shoulder dystocia, or signs of fetal distress can lead to stillbirth.
Failure to Recognize Fetal Distress:
Not recognizing and responding to signs of fetal distress, such as changes in heart rate, can lead to oxygen deprivation and death.
Inadequate Staffing or Training:
Insufficient staff or lack of proper training can contribute to delays in care and increase the risk of complications.
Examples of Negligence:
Failure to monitor fetal well-being .
Failure to diagnose and treat infections .
Misinterpretation of test results .
Errors in managing labor and delivery .
Delay in performing a Cesarean section .
Important Note: It’s crucial to remember that not all stillbirths are preventable. However, when medical negligence contributes to or causes a stillbirth, families may be able to pursue legal action for compensation
The medical profession requires skill and compassion. If either is lacking, then the individual should seek another profession. I pray justice is done for this bereaved couple.