VJH dismisses patient’s claims of delayed care

The management of the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) yesterday addressed recent claims made by a patient, Sophia Reid, who alleged that she faced significant delays in care due to a lack of available beds.

Reid, who was admitted to the labour ward, said that there was no healthcare provider to offer assistance. She made her claims on Instagram. However, in a media release, Dr Garth McDonald, senior medical officer at VJH, said that the claims are both false and misleading.

The release stated that at no point during Reid's visit to the hospital was the labour ward full or experiencing any bed-related issues. He said a report indicated that Reid was seen by a healthcare worker upon her arrival at the hospital, assessed as being eight centimetres dilated and in active labour, and was offered a recliner or the option to return to the examination bed while her bed was prepared, which was ready in less than 10 minutes. McDonald further explained that on the same duty night, the staff of VJH delivered 10 successful deliveries. The release said that both Reid and her baby were discharged the following day after her delivery without complications.

"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," the release said. The VJH said it will continue to investigate any further claims or allegations.