PHA Accepts Supreme Court Ruling in Newborn Negligence Case

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) says it has no plans to appeal a Supreme Court ruling that found Princess Margaret Hospital negligent in the 2022 death of newborn Elizabeth Lundy.

Acting Justice Raynard Rigby found that hospital staff failed to monitor Elizabeth and her mother, Widline Guillaume, for 27 critical minutes while they waited outside the operating theatre for an emergency caesarean section.

He ruled that the failure fell below the required standard of care, and caused the baby’s fatal injury.

On Monday, PHA Managing Director, Aubynette Rolle, offers her condolences to the family, while saying the agency will accept the court’s decision.

“There’s no need to go back to, one, frustrate the court, and two, to relive this matter with family members.”

“ What this does is two things. It moves us in the direction to ensure that our policies, procedures are adhered to, and also if they are not, to move up to the level of standard, as well as to ensure that staff are educated,” Rolle said.

Meantime, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville says the loss of a child is heartbreaking, and that the case has already driven improvements within the public health system.

Dr. Michael Darville – Minister, Health and Wellness

“ Any malpractice case is a process of learning, and the PHA is now addressing the issue, prior to the finalization of the case to improve the delivery of services, not only in the antenatal area, but also through the entire hospital.”

“So it’s unfortunate. It’s a learning experience, not only for the PHA, for the clinicians that were involved, and the associate medical staff.”