Victoria Jubilee Hospital refutes online claims of poor care for expectant mother

The management of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) says claims being made on social media that a pregnant woman faced significant delays in care due to a lack of beds and healthcare providers are false and misleading.

Dr Garth McDonald, Senior Medical Officer at VJH, says at no point during the patient's visit was the labour ward full or experiencing any bed-related issues.

McDonald says a report received indicated that she was seen by a healthcare worker upon her arrival at the hospital, assessed as being 8 cm dilated and in active labour.

He says she was offered a recliner or the option to return to the examination bed while her bed was prepared, which, according to him, was ready in less than 10 minutes.

McDonald further explains that on the same duty night, the VJH staff successfully delivered 10 babies.

Both the woman and her baby were discharged the following day after her delivery without complications, he states.

“The VJH continues to prioritise the well-being of all our patients, and we remain committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the Jamaican public,” said McDonald.

“We urge members of the public to refrain from spreading false and misleading information about our institution on social media. For any concerns or complaints, we encourage individuals to use the appropriate channels by making direct communication at the office of the Patient Affairs Department at the institutions. You may also send a private message through our social media accounts and on SERHA's online website chat,” he added.

McDonald says the hospital will continue to investigate any further claims or allegations, ensuring that transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of its operations.

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