An investigation has been launched at the Scarborough General Hospital to determine how a 35-year-old woman and her baby died during childbirth. The woman has been identified as Cepep worker Leciana Mitchell-Sheppard, of Zion Hill, Belle Garden, Tobago.
The Medical Chief of Staff at the Scarborough General Hospital Dr Nathaniel Duke confirmed that the incident happened on Friday. He was unable to give more details as he said he was awaiting reports from various heads of staff at the hospital.
A close family member of Mitchell-Sheppard revealed that this was her second child, and that she was experiencing a difficult pregnancy since she was a diabetic and hypertensive. Contrary to reports that she died while undergoing a cesarean section, the Guardian was told that Mitchell-Sheppard delivered her baby naturally. The Guardian understands that the Tobago Regional Health Authority board met to discuss the matter.
Secretary for Health and Social Services in Tobago Claudia Groome-Duke visited the family at their Zion Hill, home on Friday to assist them in their time of grief. In a statement issued yesterday, Groome-Duke said her division was committed to helping the people affected by the incident.
“At this time we are committed to helping the family cope with their loss. We are committed to helping everyone affected by this incident. It is a really sad situation, and no one should ever have to go through a painful situation like that,” she said. The family as well as the medical staff are expected to receive counselling. The last time such an incident occurred in Tobago was 20 years ago.
