The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has assured grieving families and relatives of the late 14 year old teenager who died after an eye operation in the hospital’s operating theatre that an independent investigating committee will get to the bottom of his untimely death.
Preliminary investigations by PMGH clinical audit team are on foot to establish procedures related to the administration of a batch of anesthetic which may have led to the untimely passing of the teenager.
“The unfortunate event, believed to be related to the administration of a batch of anaesthetic, is being investigated by the PMGH clinical audit team,” said the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi
“The hospital’s Board and Management sends its thoughts and prayers and are with the parents and relatives at this time of sorrow including the other three families whose lives have been impacted by the deaths of their loves ones on Thursday 12th August, 2021.”
PMGH said the 12th of August events were shocking and traumatizing not only for the relatives and the public but also the hospital staff.
“Our paramount responsibility as a hospital is to save lives. Our doctors, nurses and frontline health workers swore an oath to save and preserve lives and do everything within their capacity to ensure that patients presenting to the hospital are safe,” said Dr. Molumi.
To ensure that the root cause(s) is identified, an independent Investigating Committee with clear Terms of Reference will be sanctioned by the Minister of Health.
The Terms of Reference will be directed towards identifying the root cause(s) so as to clearly establish the exact cause of death.
PMGH Board and Management will ensure the investigation is thorough in order to assist the grieving parents and relatives to deal with the untimely loss of their loved ones and to provide some comfort and closure.
Hospital staff directly involved in managing the patients will also want to seek comfort through understanding the outcome of the investigation.
“In the mean time, I urge the media and public using social media platforms to refrain from further comments which are unhelpful for the grieving relatives and the hard- working staff of PMGH who continue to provide services under difficult circumstances.”
The results of the investigation, including any lessons learned, will be made known to the grieving families and the public once established.