— in case of little Quavo
— GPHC says infant was returned in extremely weakened state

GEORGETOWN Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), though remorseful that little Quavo Daniel Kashika had sustained burns while in its care, said his death was not linked to the incident, based on a post-mortem conducted.

According to the GPHC, the infant, three weeks after his release, had returned in a weakened state.

“On 7th February 2019, some three weeks after discharge, Quavo was readmitted to GPHC in an extremely weakened state and with severe respiratory difficulties. Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of the medical staff to stabilise him, he died on 8th February 2019, one day after readmission,” the GPHC said in a statement on Saturday.

In accordance with GPHC’s protocol, a post-mortem examination was conducted on February 15, 2019, and while the cause of death was stated as “inconclusive”, the pathologist ruled out “death due to burns”.

A bulb of a heat lamp located in the incubator to provide warmth for the infant had exploded, causing an area on Quavo’s arm and another on his leg to be scorched.
The family members have linked Quavo’s death to the burns sustained, but the hospital on Saturday sought to set the record straight.

It explained that Odessa Ford, the infant’s mother, was admitted to the GPHC’s Maternity Ward on December 19, 2018, where she gave birth to the premature infant male, Quavo.
“At the time of birth, the infant was diagnosed with low birth weight, pulmonary sepsis and respiratory failure, all associated with premature birth.  As is the norm with premature babies, the infant was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for care and treatment,” the hospital explained.

While his mother was discharged on December 22, 2018, Quavo remained in the NICU until he was discharged on January 21, 2019. During his stay at the hospital, Quavo remained intubated in the NICU and was closely monitored by the medical staff and treated with a variety of medication to improve his condition.  However, days after his birth, on December 24, 2018, the bulb exploded, causing his arm and leg to be scorched.

“The attending physician was immediately summoned to examine the infant.  On examination, the physician found superficial, non life-threatening burns to the infant’s left arm and leg.  Quavo was subsequently referred to our Burn Care Unit for review and management,” the hospital said.

NURSE ALSO BURNED     
It was noted that the nurse who was monitoring the NICU at the time also received superficial burns to her forearm as she removed Quavo from danger but no other infant was affected by this incident. Quavo was discharged into the care of his mother on January 21, 2019.

According to the GPHC, Quavo’s mother and his grandmother, Sharon Harding, met with the hospital’s administration on February 12, 2019, seeking information with regard to the circumstances which led to the infant sustaining burns.

“They were informed that the Administration had already mandated that a thorough investigation be carried out and the findings relayed to them upon conclusion,” the hospital said while adding that the family was subsequently invited to the GPHC on February 18, 2019, for a report but family members were unavailable to attend.  They were subsequently briefed on February 21, 2019.

“The family members were informed that the respiratory challenges and poor condition of the infant at the time of readmission were unrelated to his burns. They were also informed that the superficial burns sustained by Quavo were not life-threatening and, as evidenced by the post-mortem report, did not cause his death.

“A formal apology was also offered to the family with regard to the burns sustained by the infant,” the GPHC explained.

According to the hospital, Quavo’s mother “appeared satisfied” with the explanation offered. However, his grandmother, who was not directly involved in the care of Quavo, remained relentless.

“The incident was an unfortunate one that was random and unforeseen. We continue to monitor and conduct risk assessments on various types of equipment within this institution in an effort to continuously reduce the risks associated with their usage during patient care,” the hospital maintained.

The Board of Directors, Administration and staff of the GPHC formally apologize for the incident which resulted in Quavo Daniel Kashika being burnt, and express sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.