Venezuelan Woman Speaks Out After Hospital Negligence Case

Three doctors from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have faced disciplinary actions following a stillbirth incident that occurred on January 18. An independent review panel at GPHC, led by CEO Robbie Rambarran, determined that the medical staff had failed to adhere to established protocols.

As a result of the findings, the hospital has terminated the employment of the senior doctor responsible for overseeing the shift, whose lack of supervision contributed to the breaches. Additionally, two other doctors who were involved have been suspended for 28 days.

The investigation was initiated after Mayhelm González, a 32-year-old Venezuelan woman who relocated to Guyana, lodged a formal complaint about alleged negligence and mistreatment during her care. González reported experiencing emotional and verbal abuse from the hospital staff, including an incident where a doctor reportedly pressed their elbow into her belly and warned that her baby would die if she did not push.

González, who runs a business at City Mall, described a harrowing experience where she waited hours before pleading for a cesarean section. Despite her inability to move, she claimed that the doctors forced her to walk to another bed for the surgery. She further alleged that her baby was born at 19:00h on January 18, but the hospital falsified the birth report, indicating a birth time of 18:00h.

Following the investigation, the hospital administration met with González to provide a comprehensive update on the outcomes and corrective actions taken. The family expressed satisfaction with the measures implemented.

In a recent press release, GPHC stated, “We deeply regret that this incident occurred and acknowledge the impact on the affected family. We reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of patient care. The hospital will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

In a heartfelt comment, González expressed her feelings about the investigation’s outcome: “I know that this will not bring back my daughter, but I feel happy that despite being Venezuelan, there was justice. I raised my voice and it was heard, and those responsible will get what they deserve, since they were the ones to blame for everything that happened. I feel proud to know that despite not being Guyanese, I got justice for everything I experienced.”