High court Judge Errol Thomas has ruled in favour of Enis St. Rose Johnson, as personal representative of Cassandra Muriel St. Rose (now deceased), who had sued Dr. Roberson Thomas and the Attorney General of Dominica in claim DOMHCV2012/0329 for negligence.
The matter has to do with the death of a patient at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
The claimant’s case is that on April 10, 2012, deceased St. Rose, went to the PMH complaining of pain to her left ankle at which time the 1st defendant (Dr. Robertson Thomas) was on duty at the Accident & Emergency Department.
He examined the ankle and diagnosed it as ‘fractured.’
He fitted the ankle with a cast and authorized medical leave from work for St. Rose.
On April 16, 2012, at approximately 2:00 pm, the deceased went again to the Accident & Emergency Department at the hospital complaining of feeling extremely weak and having severe difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
She was fitted with an oxygen mask and told to wait.
The 1st defendant was on duty at the A&ED throughout the entire afternoon while St Rose’s breathing became progressively worse and her blood sugar became elevated, however he did not examine her.
After approximately five hours lying in the A&ED of the hospital, the 1st defendant came into the room where St. Rose was and informed the claimant (Johnson) that her daughter (St. Rose) would not be going home that night because she was being admitted to the Glover Ward at the hospital.
St. Rose died within an hour of being admitted.
During the trial expert witnesses were brought to testify.
In his 42-page judgment, Justice Thomas reasoned that “given the law and the evidence accepted by the court, the submissions from both sides, it is the determination of the court that the first defendant (Dr. Thomas) contributed materially to the death of the deceased by failing to do what a reasonable doctor with his skills would have done in light of the information provided by Nurse Yahmega John concerning the deceased as a basis for diagnosis and treatment rather than diagnosing diabetic ketoacidosis of which there was no evidence.”
He went on, “It is the determination of the court, that the defendants (Dr. Robertson Thomas and the Attorney General of Dominica) are liable in negligence because (a) the first defendants owed a duty of care to the deceased (conceded by the defendant) (b) the defendants were in breach of the duty of care on account of inter alia, his failure to attend to the deceased during the entire period of her stay at the Accident& Emergency Department (A&ED) and rendered a diagnosis on the symptoms the deceased presented on her arrival at stay at the A&ED and later at the Glover Ward in accordance with the established practice in the medical profession and (c) he failed to do what a reasonable doctor with his skills would have done in light of the information provided to him by Nurse John concerning the deceased as a basis for diagnosis and treatment, instead of diagnosing diabetic ketocidosis of which there was no evidence.”
“The claimant is entitled to damages and the following amounts are awarded, $4,853.25 as special damages, plus general damages of $5,000.00 for loss of expectation of life; $5,000.00 for pain and suffering for loss of amenities yielding a total amount of $20,853.25.
“The claimant is entitled to prescribed cost and is awarded interest on the special damages from the date of the service of the claim form to the date of this judgment and interest of 5% on the total award from the date of this judgment until satisfaction.”
The Judge regarded the case as “very important to our jurisprudence.”
“This case, without a doubt, is a very important case in our jurisprudence and the court is of the view that counsel on both sides treated it that way and rose to the occasion. The court wishes in particular to commend learned counsel on both sides for the skills exhibited during cross examination as it reflected a considerable reading of relevant medical literature,” he said. “This auger well for our jurisprudence. In seeking to guide the court to the truth, they have both contributed considerably to this important case and the truth and honesty will reflect their contribution.”
Lawyers Kathy Buffong and Wynante Adrien Roberts represented Enis St. Rose Johnson while Tameka Hyacinth and Jo-Ann Xavier Cuffy represented Dr. Thomas and the attorney general.
I see a lot of Dominicans rejoicing over the verdict and bad talking the hospital staff….I see a lot of the diaspora talking about being better off overseas…so why do you think those doctorsin the states have so much malpractice insurance? You think they would need it if they NEVeR made mistakes? Stupes
Judge Errol Thomas settled the negligence case before him. It is now up to the Johnson/St Rose family to take the monetary award to Appeal Court on quantum. These are two separate issues.
Dr. Thomas keep your head up. Use this as a life lesson. People are vindictive and will stop at nothing to destroy you. I am sorry that you are the scapegoat of a broken system. You are the best thing that has ever happened to A and E and any one who differs has their personal bias. you are the ONLY doctor to put some sort of order in this place. Dominicans don’t like any kind of order so once you take a stance they hate you. Keep your head up doc this just put you on the map more patients for your private practice. What is meant to harm you has already turned into a blessing.
Exahctly what I felt in my spirit.. What the devil meant for your distruction , God will turn it around for your good.
You are one of the best in that hospital ..and no matter how good you are.. Some people will try to make a monster out of you . Use that to make you a stronger better person/ doctor.
If that helps,……someone who spoke with the young lady before she passed said that she told them that she is feeling much better because you took good care of her. That reflect the doc I know . As your patient , non of that alligation makes sense. Truth will reveal itself.
The court determined that Dr. Robertson Thomas DID NOT see the patient at all for the entire 51/2 hours that she remained in the A & E and that he was materially responsible for her death. This is all contained in the 42 paged document handed down by Judge Errol Thomas on October 3rd…. enough of your rubbish. How on earth Could Sandy have made that statement when he DID NOT treat her at all let alone “take good care of her”. You should have come to give that in testimony at the court!!!!
The court also found that the Dr. lied when he said he saw the patient on that day because IT NEVER HAPPENED. The judgement is a public document and will be available for all to see online. Y need to analyse before you make such a fool of yourself.
It is better to be thought of as a fool than to type rubbish like this and remove all doubts. “someone who spoke with the young lady before she passed said that she told them” can u sense how ridiculous that sounds…..according to the former commissioner of police UTTER RUBBISH!
Kuddos to the brave attorneys who found the courage and stood up for what is right. Finally, you may have found a niche area of expertise that is so lacking in Dominica’s legal circle. You have made history in this island and “possible” the region by taking on those “so called” medical professionals who from time immemorial thought that they were beyond reach. God bless you all for you are the true patriots….i guess its still woman time!
Sadly, our main hospital (PMH) has become synonymous with the term “A place to die” rather than” a place to seek medical healing”. It is so bad that our leaders will not even allow their babies to be delivered there much less to be treated for strokes and knee ailments needing out-patient surgery. Dr. Teeba was raised by a caring, loving family in Massacre and he of all persons should have known better. My only problem is that the award is wayyyyyyyy too small. Hence another reason why Change Is A Must!
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
the medical sector, agriculture sector and justice system in this country is
It is not surprising because a few years ago there was a major issue where a local Doctor treated the father of a very prominent family. The father got a serious infection and it was diagnosed that the doctor did a bad job. Mister never followed up with the family despite repeated calls to him. He even developed a very bad attitude towards them to point where he passed the family straight on the road. The father of that family ended up going to hospital where he eventually died. The doctor did not even call to even sympathise. Now the gentleman who died was so well respected and had so many principles and being a private individual, he would not have wanted his family to make a scandal. As a result of that the whole issue remained quiet. To add insult to injury, a few months ago the wife of that deceased gentlemen when to the hospital for information and that same the doctor was on call. He practically ignored the lady, left her outside of casualty for hours until that lady’s grand daughter had to “scream” for him for the information. He ended up singing for them..cannot believe the behaviour of that Doctor. Well is patience we do not have…I shall not rejoice at mister losing his case but that lawsuit is for this family and many others who are still suffering from loss of loved ones due to negligence.
well it is good that the law is now making health professionals look into their actions but i must say this is not the root of the problem
we Dominican s believe in so so ,so our health system is not up to par. i heard on q95 that casualty has ekg, xray machine, spirometer and stuff that could be used to diagnose pulmonary embolism. i have to say i have never heard such utter rubbish, and dr cooles indicating in his report that these things are readily available i think he knows better. how many times Drs work with no ct scan , xray machines broken down even simple blood tests cant be performed and who s at fault the public sure knows the answer.
Drs in Dominica work for very little pay are badly treated by the ministry of health and many a times insulted by the public, that still does not justify not caring for your patients.well if the public refuses to hold the state responsible for the poor state of our health care system. a 20000 EC is not worthy of any bod,y s life, if the public are to continue suing, im certain st lucia and the other caribbean islands would welcome these very Drs. please people if we want better care we are to demand it from those employed in the service and also the policy makers
just my 2 sence
Your two vents is made of gold. Good piece.
The Drs here should speak if the necessary equipment to accomplish their daily tasks and to save lives are not available at the hospital. If the ordinary man hears a Dr speak this way I am sure he too will do the same as he has heard it from ‘Someone who knows.’
My baby died on maternity ward/nursery in 2006 because his little hand hit his breathing tube and disconnected it and the nurse on duty was on the phone for a while and did not notice while he suffocated. I think she said sorry. I wrote to hospital about this and not an acknowledgment or a response. I hated the thought of going through a court as I felt this would make me go insane. Every day something around me makes me remember that baby and incident. I have no idea what I can do to stop the bad hurtful feeling. Not even a new baby which came a year after has helped. Death of children suck, hurt, eats you alive, gets you addicted to things you shouldn’t. Some of our medical personnel try but so many of them lack the compassion which should come naturally in that field. In the rural districts and some private doctors in Roseau still refuse to inform patients of cancer and other terminal illness or to send them for test to clarify diagnosis. The health systems needs modern equipment but the personnel to use it for the benefit of us all are not there and man of those who are there genuinely don’t care at all levels. Who are our top surgeons in Dominica. Who are our leading radiologists or those for internal medicine. It is almost impossible for Dominica to attract top of the line specialists in any medical field. You don’t have to be Dr. Pascal to see how hopeless the health situation is. Let’s continue to pray that we will be protected and granted good health.
Private citizen.. I feel your pain even I haven’t been in your situation I has 3 boys and i pray god everyday to protect them.But i urge you to seek professional help. I understood home donot really have a family phycologists but i maybe wrong. But if am right prayer works put this in the hands of the almighty. He’ll surely take care of you.Good luck.
OMG. Tears came to my eyes reading your story. Nobody but a mother knows the grief of losing a child. Our health system is not first class but many times health workers who are supposed to be professionals are sadly lacking in the mannerisms and compassion of true health care professionals. Just observe them and the way they treat and speak to people when you go the A & E Department. It leaves a lot to be desired.
That being said, I hope you find inner peace some day. The pain never goes away no matter how many years may pass. I know, I’m speaking from experience…
Yes the precedent has been set we waiting to see what neglectful Politicians going to get for accumulating large sums of money their salaries cannot account for
$20,000.00 for a life? More people should be suing for unlawful death. In 2009 my sister walked to do a simple procedure. Six hours later she was dead. They know how neglegent they were at the Daubeny Ward, because the the surgery was a success.
I don’t know how they sleep in their beds knowing that they kill people at the hospital. They enter the nursing profession without a bone of compassion in the bodies. They’re there just to get the paycheck at the end of the month.
More law suits to come.
How nurses reach in that nah? Nursing school close for u man?
Has anyone else observed that the judge and the doctor has the same surname.
The Judge not even from Dominica doom doom
Let’s all hope that this is a wake up call for our doctors and nurses at our hospital, to long our people have been dying without great course, they go in for something simple and never comes back out alive and no questions ask.It’s like these people are getting away with murder and no one,I say no one is looking into it.Lots of people have experience this shock that there families went to hospital and didn’t expecting them not to return home but they did not.I think is to much politics all the bigger boses are connected so people are scared of finding the right thing. Let us stop putting friends in business and start taking care of our self and families.These big men are looking in there interest and not mine and yours.
Change, I so agree with you. Lost a family member that way. It is time that the ministry investigates the causes of death at the PMH.
Certainly this is not the the first doc to be sued in DA, though maybe the first cuban-trained, however this particular doc seems to find himself in a pickle too often!
hello go to a higher court with that you trying to tell me my jeep worth more than your daughter life. you should sue for a million dollars. 20,000 shame on that ruling in the states that man lost his licences .
hello go to the high court with that you trying to tell me my jeep worth more than your daughter life. you should sue for a million dollars. 20,000 shame on that ruling in the states that man lost his licences .
I hope this is the first in many litigations against the doctors and Nurses at PMH. When you go the private offices you get such good treatment and yet when there is an emergency and you need to go the casualty the very same doctors treat you like they don’t even know your name. I have had experiences with this doctor at PMH and lets just say that unless its a real emergency I will not stay there.
$$$$$ even when it is peanuts.
I understand that some doctors and nurses lack professionalism…but what a lot of the public doesn’t know these people are very disgruntled. Overworked and underpaid. Everyone will complain about doctor so and so because of their actions but no one knows the frustrations. Even those who live school and come home with the best of intentions fall into the same trap because they know if they had went elsewhere they would be well off. Being unhappy in a work setting lends a hand to poor work…while I hope one’s personal love for their career can overcome that…but in reality this is not always the case.
And by the way…the only reason you should be at A&E is for a real emergency…a lot of people run to A&E for minor things and just slow down the place. The job of a doctor working in A&E is to see severe cases, asses, diagnose,, treat and pass the patient onto the required department for further treatment. When people go there for things which are not serious the doctor has to basically do rushed work to see that particular patient to ensure that if a serious case comes in he/she is free to attend to that. The public half the time have no idea what medical professionals go through, but it’s who in the kitchen who feels the heat.
I’m by no means in defense of sloppy work.
I hope this case will force the people who run the show to increase the number of doctors in A&E per shift and start a general change in policies at PMH
So that makes me think. How come te people that were to receive her on Glover ward, took hours after the doc ordered her admission to the ward? The emergency room is not a waiting ground . After the doctor makes the call for you to be admitted, he most likely will be on to the next patient. Why isn’t the staff on that ward not held accountable. They wait till they were changing shift to bring the young lady in.. And why is the family fixated on the doctor.. They want to mess the guy up man? How about the nurse and the doctor in whose hand she died… No mention.. Hmmmm . I am just saying……
So the family win the case. Now the family ( one) on radio..
. What is your motive partner? Life is life ,every dog have their day.. Don’t be too arogant.
Remember the lord giveth and he taketh.
Both of them man is Christian …brothers in Christ .. What’s the message bro?
Magrez sa I would like to shake your big toe. Every dog has its day. Now I wonder what is the message the (one) on the radio is sending out. God is good all the time this too shall surely pass
It shall. Christianity is a joke now it seems. If you believe God does all things we’ll, then trust him. Let’s just say it is therapy for him and them., so vent na broda. I hope that gives you the peace you are searching for. , it may not be the one that passeth all understanding.
It just irritates me how we choose when to play Christian when it is convenient. Chaaa
Why the hate. If it was your 33 year old sister and she was neglected likr this by a doctor. She spent 51/2 in casuslty and not seen by a doctor who claimed that he examined the patient when the court proved that the patient was NEVER seen by Dr. Robertson Thomas. I wonder if you would not have felt the same way as the family member and the ONE who was on the radio? What if that shoe was on your feet how would you have felt?
money even when it is peanuts
You are definitely missing the bigger picture!!!! At the end of the day, a family lost their loved one; the justice system found the doctor negligent. Shouldn’t the family be free to speak about it if they want to? Did they sign a gag order? It is interesting how you feel that you have a right to express YOUR opinion, but someone else doesn’t have the right to speak!!!!!!!
The judge wanted to give a wake up call to the medical profession I believe..
Anyway you may not understand my Perspective .. But as Christians there are certain precepts we have to follow. The bible says judgementis mine , i will repay. But when you can go against the bible like that .. …. No earthly judgement can be a fair one. All I am saying is that a Christ-like heart would leave it to God. I wonder whatvthelady husband saying to that.. A pastor.
The doc was accused of ‘not doing.’… Inspite of the fact that a specialist testified that her condition would have been fatal no matter what .
Circumstantial evidence can land people in jail you know!
Anyway judgement for one, judgement for all, i believe The truth will prevail.
Now, I am REALLY irritated at “Irritated!!!” What is your agenda? You have just violated the same Christian principles that you are “preaching!!!” (I know a “good” pastor who says that he always preaches the word to himself first before he preaches to the congregation….)
Firstly, go back and read your posts, there is nothing humble, and reconciliatory about it. Let me quote your words,
“Let’s just say it is therapy for him and them., so vent na broda. I hope that gives you the peace you are searching for. , it may not be the one that passeth all understanding.”
Where is YOUR Christ like heart in all of this??!!!!!! I venture to say that I send those words right back from whence they came!!!
Check your your self, check your tone, check your motives. Be truly honest with yourself. So when you point your finger at the claimaint, several fingers are pointing back at you.
Furthermore, show me one place in the public document where one specialist said that “her condition would have been fatal no matter what”. You have now used a public forum to perpetuate a lie. Have you even read the document? Do not simply repeat things that are told to you. Where is your Christ like heart when you spread around this lie? Do you know who is the author of all lies? Really, that speaks of utter hypocrisy on your part. In your previous post, you claim to be “so irritated when we choose to play Christian when it is convenient.” I am so glad that you included yourself in this.
)
NOW, I must really honour the promise I made to myself to stop reading these posts because these sort of things just get me IRRITATED!!
Before I sign off, I truly hope and pray that you never have to feel the pain of an untimely loss. Now that I have said my piece, I can genuinely wish you the peace of God that passes all understanding. May you be able to find the peace that you yourself seem to so desperately need…..
(I can only infer!
I am not bothered about the money, it’s the judgement that counts. It will send a message to the other doctors who think that they are untouchable and can treat people how they want. The maternity ward needs to be looked at and the number of babies who died and no one has been held responsible.
It is high time someone pays for negligence, people die too often in DA, and they should sue some of the Doctors, because they do not care about people’s health, and the Government should set priorities straight, instead of investing in millions, that are not important, the health system should be the first to spend all that money on.
Dominica public servants on a whole needs professionalism training. I took my dad to the hospital once and that was the reason he is here with me in the states today. The only reason I did not react to the Dr stupidity is because my 5 year old son was with me. Under his breath i heard him telling the nurse his dad ankle is his hurting and they bothering me for that? Two days later my dad had triple bypass surgery in Martinique. If i did not have the resources like a lot of Dominicans don’t my dad would be dead today. God help Dominica
DNO is there a part of the judgment missing in this article? I find it absolutely absurd that the Judge awarded a meager $20k in compensation for the loss of a life?!!
the judge giving the lady$20,000.00 for a life lose and charge checko 130,000.00 for a song
u could not have put that better! What a disgrace! In the eyes of them bobol judges, a poor Dominican life is worth peanuts.
If u would read and understand you will realize that the people will end up with thousands more. READ and understand before alyou jump and talk.. Look at the interest clause… There are other clauses that the public is not aware of.
I hope the money gives peace to the family.
I know money can’t buy that.. But…
20000 not enough to feed my dog for the year come on wake up da
My Mon was in the hospital have her on a chair giving meds an 89 years old woman what a shame ppl don’t even treat animals like this short that clinic down stop running you all mouth on cell phone do proper diagnosed before treating
Its not a hospital is a clinic get a lab tec on the second
Checko had to pay Ambassador $130,000 for defamation of character. But a doctor pays $20,000 for death of a patient. That is probably a few months salary for him.
What more do Dominicans need to accept that this country is out of control? Genocide? Come on…this is one of so many similar cases where negligence has lead to patients’ death.
We need change and I am not just referring to a political party…we need LEADERS that are committed to improving the insitutitons that really matter in this country. The state of your healthcare system says a lot about what the country values…
Dr.Thomas is a very good doctor this must have been a bad day for him..sorry for the loss of the woman but theere is always two sides to a story
That’s exactly my point. Time will tell man.
while the Pee mmm and President languish in the Luxury of attention common People are dying from under staffed ill equipped hospital.When Charles Savarin was sick He was kept in the maternity ward while waiting to be airlifted.As for Skeritt his wife had their baby in the USA.Mr.Timothy had a stroke and again the sound of helicopters coming almost immediately medicated to Martinique.
The Politicians have taken care of themselves,now the People have to rise to remove them and get a whole new batch that will do the will of the People
The other side is that their Dr. lied about seeing her and he lied in court. Even a point made by his expert witress portrayed him in bad light where he failed to examine the deceased. He had no clue what her vitals were and if she was still wearing a cast that he had fitted for her six days before. It’s not good to lie because they truth comes out eventually and he of all people should know that!
Before leaping into conclusion as Dr. Robertson Thomas why is it that the court said he never saw them patient for their entire time she was at their A&E Department and why is it that they court said that he was MATERIALLY responsible for CasSandra Muriel St. Rose’s death. Also ask him what does “materially” mean?
So you just read that other side of the story and you can get a copy of their judgement for your ownself.
For a negligence case a doctor is sued for a little more than $20,000? Our people are finally waking up but this does not touch the doctor, the hospital is going to pay this money because he works for the hospital.
The hospital plus the doctor should be sued and the doctor should be stripped of his license. This is a common practice at the casualty especially with this doctor.
I am proud of you parent and more persons should stand up for their rights. I too am happy that the legal system were able to separate themselves and do the right thing.
A woman fell in a grave and was awarded $46,344.63, another dies and her family is awarded $20,853.25. I
nteresting
It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but I have lots of evidence about the poor diagnosing and care with cover up by both nurses and doctors.
However in Dominica the bigger problem everywhere is supervision, instead of the supervisors being concerned of a proper job, they are concerned about covering their friends and departments.
This problem starts from the bottom and is also found at the very top. the pm; police chief; fire chief; ag; auditor; cmo; lawyers; doctors; bishops; boards; etc/ etc !!!
I think ministry of health should do something about the influx of non-emergency cases to the A&E department. That could be the reason for the long wait because some of the cases seen are not emergency or urgent. So the nurses and doctors become overwhelmed and frustrated with them uneccessary cases, by the time the real emergency gets to the department they are burnt out. I am not saying that shit dont happen in the system but the nurses and doctors who work in that department are subject to verbal and physical abuse almost every day.
One thing dno can make thing brave wi. Doctor loses major negligence case. I expected to see a figure with six zeros behind it. Smh!
After seeing so many negative comments about pmh, drs and nurses, best Dominicans stay at their homes and die man? cuz it looks like when they get to pmh, they die anyway so whats the point really?
A woman falls into a grave breaks a leg and gets $46 000.00. A woman DIES and her family gets $20 000.00. Wow!!!
I am totally astonished at the amount of money that has been awarded for the death of the deceased. The sum is pitiful! This doctor should be fined and struck off the medical register. Health care in Dominica is terrifying. Folks here joke about the fact that if you have to go to the Princess Margaret Hospital you are likely not to come out alive and here is a case in point. I have heard far too many stories about Princess Margaret Hospital and their death toll. God help us all if EBOLA does come to Dominica. I feel very sad for this family and the lack of action taken by the court.
Seriously laybarites, how can you explain putting a man with 40 years experience in finance to head the ministry of health could a sane laybarite please explain to us how can we have a man with no medical background heading the health ministry, come on everyday you bragging about who drop out of high school but my kindergarden daughter can do a better job than you, any sensible person can clearly see u need a person with a medical background to head a health ministry. Just like we have a man who was a teacher of english heading finance. GeeZ laybarites u all killing de country!
When Doreen Paul was Minister for health, how much health background did she have. She came from working in a bank.
We did not her the expert evidence, the other side of the argument. Thee had to be medical evidence to show that the doctor could have acted differently. A lawyer cannot speak to medical issues unless arguing a point of law. It means therefore that there are doctors here that are prepared to testify against their colleagues. the lawyers. A good and bad situation. Any doc, you will continue to remain my personal and family lawyer. You have done excellently for us over the years.
Really thats not enough compensation for a negligence death too many negligence cases in dominica no patient should not go through wat this woman and her family went through , they better be lucky they were not in the us, gos bless u and your family and may u rip
And it is ready for ebola…
What a joke…
It is sad but true that not all are cut out for certain fields/areas in medical practice. I know the good Doc very well and although he is a decent doctor it does not seem A&E is for him like the “smoking doc” they recently moved out of there. He maybe should settle down into private practice where he would be more careful with his patients as there would be no other doctors to cover him. He is a man of faith and I pray for him and his family that he takes this as a life lesson and move on being professional and more attentive to his work.
I also pray for the family of the deceased as the value of compensation from the state is an absolute joke and insult. Although it is my tax payers dollars, it is not enough to compensate you for your loss. I personally would file a civil suite for at least $2 million EC to compensate for the loss of not only potential income but for the pain and suffering that does not end.
I guess now all doctors in Dominica will be forced to get malpractice insurance which should be standard for them to practice in Dominica regardless of their nationality or country of training.
I am sorry but I cannot feel for this doctor. I have to feel for this mother and countless others, who have had to bury loved ones too soon due to negligence. We need to move away from this pity party of lack of resources and treat patients. How can a patient remain this long in the room and you never visit them? This is not just negligence. It is gross negligence!! What is more appalling is that she is a return patient. You already treated her means there is a genuine problem. You should be eager to find out what complications arose after treatment.
How high was the blood sugar that you suggest DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) before thinking PE (Pulmonary Emboli)? If the blood sugar was high and you treated it, then she would still be alive. If you treated it and she still did not get better, then your smart self should then think PE or FE (Fat Emboli) because she has a fracture and has SOB (Shortness of Breath). A little blood thinner / clot buster might have helped.
The judge needed to take all these things into consideration and compensate this woman adequately. This is more than a slap on the wrist. It will not even make you get off your high donkey and realise your mistake. It is all ego. We need to learn to treat people in this place.
med student
That’s it! He heard both sides, and made a decision. You hear one and you want to bray.. Ok smart A@@@
Now we understand why skerro baby is American.
Seriously, $20,000 for a life?
its about time somebody teach these incompetent people of this so called hospital a lesson, I still think the family deserve more than that.
That’s it. By the time the lawyers get paid, there is nothing for the family. This is unfair for the decease and the family. It should be millions not thousands
Justice for Sandy. I have many relatives who died at PMH. There must be some sense of urgency at the emergency room. There is negligence everywhere because we are all humans. However, hear me out, my opinion, the issues at the PMH are bad. The medical staff have to earn their pay, I blame the government…I know that people must die, but the Hospital is pitiful. It was OK when I grew up in the 70s. It does not meet the standards for 2014. The hospital is more like a clinic, hot, no AC, crowded and miserable. I would not like to be sick in that hospital.
Truth always rises to the top. The truth will set us free. Gods judgement is better than man’s judgment and it is sure. Hold strong Dr. Thomas, you have been a great doctor and that’s who you will always be.
He knows all! Wait and see.
I have been a patient in a&e and have had to wait hours after admission to go to the ward because I was told the ward not ready. Is that the doctor or nurse”s fault when they continue their assigned tasks in their depts. the system is messed up and this doc Thomas is a lamb to the slaughter. Fix the system,
well well well. Where did the patient die? Where on gods earth we have an emergency room manned by one doctor? Where under heaven are people untrained screening people? Who received this patient on arriving at a&E Dept?If I know this doctor the patient could never be in the dept for the time proposed and not be seen. we must all learn from this sad scenario.
Ee Well put rasta. Nurses and all other medical personnel in addition to the Dr. all work together. It does not seem anyone was assisting him adequately. Remember also the patient passed away once on the ward Not under his care.
judge you actually think that someone life is worth 20000.00..
appeal the judgement
I doubt it has to do with money its the principle some of these medical personnel need to have compassion. More needs suing treat first then investigate always back to front smh
how much was the seattlement in the libel case against the calypsonian from la plaine ?
$20,000.00 for one’s life and over $100,000.00 for slander. Something is not adding up.
Not to say that the poor woman would not have died anyway had she been examined and taken care of, but neglecting patients and not processing them in a timely matter is one reason that they are able to decline so rapidly. There is a lack of ER professionalism at that hospital and a lack of adequate Dr. staffing to accommodate any emergency. There are definite improvements that need to come about but I doubt that they ever will from what I have seen and experienced there. She might have gotten better attention at the clinic at the Botanical gardens. There is a problem with attitude at the hospital by staff but this is due to the amount of stress that they must endure and the lack of adequate supplies and equipment. It is difficult to do something with almost nothing and there is an endless line of poor people constantly coming in. Everybody is stressed.
You mean a person’s life is only worth $20,000.00 (dollars) in Dominica? What wine was Justice Thomas drinking? The Doctor not even deciplined? Lord please help my Country. In this day and age we are still so backward. This brings back the treatment my Mother received at her death at this same hospital. There was the nurse we picked-up in Mahaut who was more concerned with her lunch – she did nothing for my mum, the Emergency ward nurse also refused to look at her and ordered her be taken to Glover, with no one to get her there, a few things also happened while I tried to pick her up but couldn’t but kept begging to give her oxygen in tears etc , the doctor to see her wasat his home for lunch at Morne Bruce etc needless to say there was no other doctor in the hospital . I still think of what happened and still have nightmares about that day, so I share your sorrow. Dominicans are in deep trouble with that institution. We have a big State House, President’s house, the PM have his Mansion but the hospital institution is not on the priority list. Coupled with this the unprofessional duties rendered.
That is more than likely what the state has the price stipulated. The cannot put a value on life. It is usually a very low payout. However the claimant may sue for much more in tort law
Major Negligence Case for ECD 20,000? SMH. I wouldn’t even waste my time.
You know, I could go shopping with that amount and it would not take too long to spend it. This is no amount of money for a negligence case as this with loss of a life. I view this a insulting to her family – adding insult to injury and grief.
The precedent has been set. SUE! SUE! SUE!
The doctor may well have been negligent in this case, but my biggest concern is that many of the doctors that practice in Dominica don’t have a clue about what they are doing. This is particular the case with the Cuban trained doctors.
They ate trained at a mill that churns out doctors at a rate that far exceeds any other medical school system in the world. The Cuban government uses their medical schools as an extension of their ministry of foreign affairs.
There are definitely problems with egos when it comes to certain Dr.’s.
Guess what I agree with you 100%! The Cuban grad doctors are the ones working in 95% of the system. They are the ones doing rounds on the wards. They are the ones supervising the Ross and All Saints students whilst the consultants are the ones getting paid. They are the ones who enter work at 8am on a Friday morning and leave the hospital at 5pm on Monday afternoon. They are the ones who know the patients by name and not by bed number! So YES they are the ones…the underpaid underdogs who are trying to keep the health care system afloat in this ungrateful land ….who are most likely to make a mistake because they are the ones WORKING!!!!!!
We should all STRIKE! Lets see what would happen. Which one of those consultants would shut down their private office and come do rounds on the wards.
I agree with you bredren!
Do not know what they are doing in terms of what? Cuba churns out more doctors than the U.S. With all these offshore medical schools? Only someone who is not in health will make such a silly statement…graduates of other schools no less what they are doing than Cuban grads fresh out of school for they are graduated after rotations and do their internships with an MD already behind their name. Get real
I shall have to respectfully disagree with you. Cuban trained physicians go through 6 years of medical school. I’m referring to the basic medical training, exclusive of specialization. 6 years is longer compared to America where a medical degree can be completed in 4/5 years. So I’m lost as to your statement as to the time spent in school by Cuban trained physicians.
It is easy to stay from behind a computer and judge the Dr. We don’t know all the facts…we don’t know if during that day cases which seemed to have needed more attention were coming in one after the other. Normally at PMH A&ED there is only one Dr per shift. That alone is another story, which I consider complete rubbish. So I don’t think it’s a question of where he was trained, but more a question of why was he negligent…what was taking place around him that caused this. While the court found him guilty, I would simply like to know the full proceedings of the day in question.
The entire system at PMH needs to be overhauled…it runs on a system that worked way back when.
What backward thinking/ignorance!! From my experience cuban trained doctors are some of the best in the world. Wake up fool.
Amen
Is that dr habit. a lady had a stoke he tell he her dentures were loose that is why she was talking funny. The money is not the issue is the lesson to be learnt about the care of lives at the PMH now i think that they require some real service standards the patients need to be aware of.
Get your facts straight and stop belching crap. That doctor has so many people thAt can attest to his excellence in his profession. Is a pity that people will take advantage of situations as revenge for past issues they had with the medical system .
A doctor is not synonymous to infallible, you should know . Stop grudging them man. They study hard to be where they are. They should learn from their mistakes. Whatever it was, an error , poor jug dement or the inability to dispute circumstantial evidence.
Let us look t at doctors as trying to help to the best they can,instead of thinking they are God and can’t make errors,. We forget the many lives that they have saved and use one life lost to try to take them down.
Tomorrow it may be our turn to face the fiire, deserved or not. Be careful my people how we react to the judgement on others, we never know when it’s our turm
agreed but that learning from their mistakes part not fitting nah. hope u would not mind if you or your family are not one of the mistakes that the doc has to learn from. what u think tires fellas putting dere man? lol within reason error is expected but negligence is a whole other issue it means that no due regard was given to the individual its not like the doc was on the ball trying something and was wrong they just didnt care enough apparently.
It’s a pity is Dr. Thomas that was made an example of…I don’t know if he was having bad days during his care of this patient but a lot more of these Doctors and nurses at the Princess Margaret Hospital should be sued for negligence…surviving relatives/families should continue taking a stand and sue!!!!
You mean being charged only a little over $20,000? This is not much of a lesson.
A pity? this isn’t the first time something like that happened with this doctor.
Why is it a pity? This is not his first act of negligence as it speak from my own experience. Doctors cannot be about their own affairs out of the hospital when they are on duty in the A & E. This is the first of many more to come. It’s just ashamed the amount granted was so low.
Boss that not no money at all. By the time the Lady pay those Lawyers she eh getting nothing.
Lord help us in this country.
“The claimant is entitled to prescribed cost and is awarded interest on the special damages from the date of the service of the claim form to the date of this judgment and interest of 5% on the total award from the date of this judgment until satisfaction.”
DNO I almost want to ask you guys to go make sure that value of the is correct.
If so Papa Bondieur our life is worth less than what some of the ministers making a month. Charlie Jong in one month is making half the value of our lives in Dominica.
The funeral and burial cost a few thousand and the lawyer fees cost I am guessing 5- 6 Thousand.
DNO I know people who get LPO and even cash value at $25000;
No wonder the politicians treat us like cattle -right now someone walking on the Roseau Bridge could easily fall to their death and the politicians only concern about buying votes because the cost of one person’s life could actually give them that 2 or one vote needed in a particular district.
Papa Bondieur you know I en lying the British model alone got $20K just for say baby I want to see you when you come back to London.
This call for some serious introspection. This is where we are as a people and are we really satisfied with the status quo. Is that what we are offering investors that should they come to Dominica their life is really worth $6000 US.
Until people wake up, the beatings will continue.
Now Mr. Mano Emmanuel should sue the Attorney General and the Chief for justice denied -just like the lady was denied medical care within the time while was at the AED and the medical ward so to Emmanuel is being denied due care and attention and as a result having to suffer over all these years in agony and mental frustration – it is thigh ime our lawyers especially the young ones start challenging the status quo.
it was time someone took the lead . There is real carelessness at PMH.
My mother died the exact same way a few years ago in the so called ER. Them people leave the lady on a stretcher for hours unending. saying no bed on Glover Ward, yes sar papa, my mother pass out right there in the ER, the doctor on call, did absolutely nothing for her.
Its way time that dominicans should start suing for malpractice. To many people have died home because of neglegence.Even the nurses on duty at the time of someone coming to the emergency room should be held accountable. And am saying so because of what I witness at the portsmouth hospital.Someone came with chest pain and complain the they felt unconscious while at a funeral, the nurse was seeing some that was getting a sore dressed and kept the man suffering with a chest pain waiting until she was done.I was astonished by that,that should be taken care immediately.Some of these medical people donot care about peoples lives.They are too conern about the name but not about people. More people should follow. Let them have a little more respect for people’s life.No one life worth 20.000 dollars.
Be careful people or you will have no hospital at all.
I also heard about the elderly who are admitted to the hospital. They figure they are old and so they do not receive adequate care and die. Their families are left to bury them.
I know more than that, facts, but will state no more. God is taking note. I hope in the near future this type of treatment of also the elderly will be rectified.
“Its way time that dominicans should start suing for malpractice.”… good idea, but are we prepared to pay the cost. Health care in Dominica is relatively free, this $20000 is not going o be paid by Dr. Thomas it will be paid by the Treasury. We must be careful what we wish for.
This is for the countless of others who have lost their lives in an untimely manner at the A&ED. I hope that other health professionals read and learn that the sick have rights to proper and timely treatments. Uncle this one if for you.
Great. First one down. More to come
There’s a lot of repetition in that article, which may get readers confused.!
But I suspect you smoke something though.
If one is a good reader there is nothing to be confused about.
The original version of the article did have duplication.
interesting
The health system in Dominica has claimed hundreds of lives allegedly through incompetence of medical professionals. This is a classic case of negligence. You have symptoms of high glucose, breathing distress and chest pains and with a patient with a recent fracture all of which and up to a possible embolism and not even an xrays, scans or more urgent care is administered? Sometimes we forget not all doctors are equal. Even those who pass at the bottom of the class are still called doctors.
But all that not called for man! Sounds like you got a chip on your shoulder. Did the doctor take your woman or what!
Sound like a jalouzi passing there we.. You know all bout the symptoms , maybe you would have made it higher than the bottom of the class we. SMDH
This must be some kind of twisted joke this Judge is making. How can the state be found to be negligible in the death of someone and they are made to pay $20853.25 Eastern Caribbean dollars.
Am I the only person who sees this as a gross miss injustice or is this what Dominicans consider a fair system. I would love someone to challenge me on this or perhaps clarify this farcical and meagre award for the death of a young woman.
Something is fundamentally wrong with Dominica and Dominicans if we are settling for this. This is not China or India where there are billions of people and one life seems to be worth very little. This is Dominica for God`s sake. What is wrong with systems in Dominica.
They do not seem to be fit for purpose
Yeah, I suspect a lot of persons share your views on this one. But I believe the defence can accept the victory but appeal the amount granted.
They would have to announce of their intent to appeal after the judge gives his decision
I must have read this four or five times. A measly $20000.00. I guess that’s the value the judge places on his own life, what about yours and mine/
There is something wrong with what Dominicans accept and it is because they don’t take the responsibility and unite to see that something is changed in their interest. Everyone is too selfish and preoccupied. DA was better off 40 yrs. ago than now.
I was wondering why only $20,000.00.
though the money will not bring the woman back, the doctor and the attorney general and others like them should be given something to think about had the fine been higher
The health system in Dominica has claimed hundreds of lives allegedly through incompetence of medical professionals. This is a classic case of negligence. You have symptoms of high glucose, breathing distress and chest pains and with a patient with a recent fracture all of which and up to a possible embolism and not even an xrays, scans or more urgent care is administered? Sometimes we forget not all doctors are equal. Even those who pass at the bottom of the class are still called doctors.
How old is this woman who died that her life was only worth $10,000.00????
she was in her 30s
How sad. She was quite young. She did not have to die in this manner. The first time she visited the Emergency, she should have been given an xray or scan to determine the root of her problem and if she had an internal ailment.
the Doctor’s license should be revoked he should not be allowed to practice medicine in the region, for about 5 years or if he is allowed to practice he should be supervised by a more senior medical professional.It is in my humble opinion that almost all services rendered in our society is rendered with a level of complacency. I know in the U.S he would have to be re certified after his lisence was revoked if ever he is allowed to.practice medicine again. Since the AG is either an elected official or appointed by the government I think they. Should cover the financial cost, if it’s a young person who is employed , the judge should take her pay and all the increases she would have gotten until retirement and that,s what she should be awarded and then take about 20% of her pay as what she would have saved and invest and the do that by by the 5%.. Not less that 40,000.00 at 5% come on that’s the cost of a productive Dominican citizen.. Could someone tell me what criteria the judge use to come to the financial settlement? Why didn’t the Doctor at least get suspending from practicing medicine in our public facilities? Come on the parent should be compensated much more, cost of funeral expenses to include the VAT the parent pay to bury her child. Pain and suffering of the parent in the lost of her child. Damn wake up DA.
So…a doctor should lose in license for one incidence of so call malpractice? Why do you think Americans have malpractice insurance…it’s not possible to practice medicine and never commit and error ever…you can have an error without it being gross negligence..we do not even know what other cases were going on at e time of the incident. There is only one doctor in the casualty..if he is dealing with other emergencies..it’s only one person..why don’t we ask for more staff instead of crucifying doctors?
Alyou like to judge harshly, until is alyou turn to face de music. The deceased told someone two hours befor she died tht she is feeling much better and that Doctor Thomas took good care of her. I wonde what she saying now..
If only he dead could talk.
Your comment is very laughable! On the day the patient died the doctor never examined, interacted nor attended to Ms. St. Rose during her 51/2 hour stay at the A&E Department. where you got that filth from? Here is what the court had to say concerning the foolish remark that you made, “In this regard the court has already determined that the 1st defendant (Dr. Robertson Thomas) DID NOT see the deceased at all prior to her death”. Please get your story straight before you make those false statements.
great job my nice died at the hospital and due to negligence these people at the hospital don’t care of the patient , once you come to the hospital , you are left on the bed until the doctor come in the morning to see you no other doctor will visit, that is trash , I have watch
watch food is given to the patient and just place by the table , and left, where is the helpers to assist the patient. nurses are to busy ,of course. and no body can denied it that the fact. if the sick person is able to eat he eats if not it stays until throw away the doctor should be sued for a million ec dollars need to see more of that to many people are left to die , and those doctors get away with murder. there is one famous one doing operating his turn will come , my died at the hospital and when I went to check him not even the bed was change , they are lucky I was away they got away , but 99 day for them 100 for me
I have had where my mom was given wrong medicine and she is not the only one .
Hmmm.if all doctors were sued for negligence what a negligence free hospital we’d have.but again we would have just a few doctors left.
Less doctors =more negligence. The hospital is grossly understaffed
Did the Judge say $20,853.25? is that what the Judge would expect his life to be valued if he was that patient who was treated with negligence? those doctors should be made an example of! Shame on the Judge, it is just like he killed the woman a second time
It is about time someone held these ppl responsible for their actions. If Dominican did more of this; the PMH would not have the terrible reputation it has today. #accountability
its about time someone take action against the crappy health care distributed and wrongful diagnosis given by health officials….NEGLIGENCE is too soft a word for such a skillful “PROFESSIONAL”….well done Enis Johnson
For a case such a this, the award seems very small. It would be relevant to the amount of the award to know what were the circumstances of the deceased, age, work status, surviving dependents, etc.
I hope that the award also covered the amount of any expenses incurred by the death, and I would also like to know if the award is taxable.
Also, the total of the amounts in this article is not $20k, but $14,853.25 which begs the question, was there another award or was this an incorrect question.
I also hope that Nurse John will not have to deal with reprisals in the workplace. Vengeful co-workers, doctors and/or supervisors can make a person’s life a living hell.
Overall this is a very important case, but more details are necessary to really have a proper understanding of what influenced the judgement.
I do not know if you guys paying attention, but this is a major ruling and victory for our patients who have lost the battle at that hospital. They only problem I have is The late St. Rose life was worth more than 20k and the damages should be higher.
Its about time some of these doctors held accountable for their incompetence. I see many more coming.
None the less, if another Dominican falls sick tomorrow, they still have to follow a line and wait for attention regardless of if the person is on their last breath magway sa. there is no such thing as ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN DOMINICA
That is the unfortunate truth.