Statement Addressing Complaint Lodged via Social Media

The Board of Management of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital wishes to acknowledge the presence of a video in circulation on social media on January 10^th in which staff of the hospital’ Paediatric Department were threatened with grievous bodily harm.  Due to our commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality we cannot speak to any allegations made but we do wish to advise that threats against the safety and wellbeing of our staff are taken very seriously. To this end hospital security forces have been placed on heightened alert and the Barbados Police Force has been engaged to investigate the matter at hand.

In spite of the current COVID environment and other challenges faced, we assure the public that the QEH team remains committed to providing safe, quality, patient centred health care to Barbadians and visitors alike. However, despite our best efforts, there will be cases that are exceedingly difficult. Even in such circumstances, our medical and nursing teams continue to give of their best in these high pressure situations, and we assure you that the best care available is always provided. Therefore, we ask that you treat our staff with the courtesy and respect they deserve as additional threats of violence will only serve to create an untenable environment of fear.

The Board, management and staff of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the patient referenced in the video as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved one. While we empathise with the family, under no circumstances will threats or acts of violence directed towards members of staff be condoned. Any and all such threats will be taken seriously and those guilty of such, prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Dr. Clyde Cave,
Director – Medical Services (Ag.)