REGION Six Director of Health Services Jevaughn Stephens said an investigation has been launched into an alleged incident of negligence at the Port Mourant Hospital which resulted in the death of a patient on Thursday. The matter pertains to Richard Dundas, 52, called “Mathics” of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who was taken to the said hospital after a glass bottle was thrown at him,hitting him on the left ankle.
The incident occurred around 20:00hrs at a popular off-licence and grocery shop in Kildonan where “Mathics” is employed.
Stephens reported that upon arrival at the hospital, Dundas was treated for lacerations to the ankle and was sutured and sent away.
He added that after treatment, the man was sent taken away by police, and according to the medical staff who treated him, he behaved badly and had to be restrained by the law-enforcement officers.
The bad behaviour claim was refuted by several persons who were at the hospital with Dundas.
The proprietor of the grocery shop where the incident occurred, said Dundas was in no state to behave disorderly.
“The man was weak, weak. He could have barely walk or talk. He had to be assisted to and from the hospital, but when he came back he was worse. He was still bleeding and could not stand up or move properly. He lost a lot of blood.”
A cousin of the now dead man, Dennis Bagot, said he is disappointed at the doctor who treated his cousin and chose to send him home rather than admit him.
“’Mathics’ was not conscious when we collect he to come home, he was very, very weak he could barely walk and even get up… I keep begging the doctor to keep him or transfer him to New Amsterdam, but she keep saying he is ok, let him go home.”
Bagot related that Dundas continued to bleed on his way home and was crying out in pain.
“He could not even move that how weak he was and they see he was in that state yet they let him come home.”
Dundas reportedly arrived home around 22:00hrs and had to be lifted into his yard. He reportedly died 25 minutes after.
The suspect who threw the bottle at Dundas is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation. A post-mortem on Dundas is expected to be done on Tuesday.