– after attack on doctor
The security firm which guards the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) is reviewing its current approach to providing services to the facility following the incident in which a doctor was attacked by a patient two weeks ago.
Contacted for an update yesterday afternoon, Commander of ‘D’ Division Leslie James explained to Stabroek News that earlier this week a meeting was held with a representative of the security firm and several other officials, including Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three Dennis Jaikarran, Deputy REO Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall and the hospital administrator to discuss the incident and the way forward.
“We had a look at what had happened and it was agreed to have certain things done,” he said. Though he refused to divulge any details about the discussion, James noted that following the meeting the security firm agreed to review its approach to providing security to the hospital.
While he was unable to say if any charges will be laid, he said that as the investigation continues, several items, including a document stating the extent of the damage incurred due to the incident, were still outstanding.
A doctor attached to the WDRH was attacked on the evening of April 30th by a patient and his relatives after they were informed that the hospital’s x-ray department was closed.
This newspaper had previously reported that based on information gathered, the patient, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, visited the hospital complaining of a pain in his left arm. After he was seen by a doctor, it was suggested that he visit a private institution to have the examination. However, he became furious and attacked the doctor.
The patient allegedly chucked the doctor and another patient, who had witnessed what had occurred, intervened, leading to a scuffle. When the man’s relatives observed what was happening they also intervened, resulting in a melee.
The police were called to the hospital after the security guards were challenged to control the situation. Several items were destroyed in the process.
Following the incident, several persons, including the patient and the doctor, were taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, where statements were taken. Concerns were also raised about the security for doctors and hospital staffers following the attack.
Several doctors attached to the hospital had also met with Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence at her Brickdam office, where they complained about frequent attacks on them.
According to a release from the ministry, Lawrence said that she will press for legal action against those involved in the attack, which also saw destruction of hospital property.
“This matter will not just slide. I want the staff to feel safe and secure… Their safety comes first,” Lawrence had told the distraught WDRH team. opened the door to the bathroom which had another door leading into the hallway of the upper flat and out of the premises through an inner stairway.
“He ran out of the room to the stairs leading to the ground floor with me running behind him,” Holder said. “He threw down a lamp and a fan behind him to slow me down.”
Holder noted that the intruder left his home through the back door, which was open. “By the time I reached the back door he was gone,” he added.
He then immediately called the Impact Patrol, Police Headquarters Eve Leary and Brickdam Police Station, but all of the numbers rang out. On his second attempt to call Brickdam, a woman officer answered and told him she would send a patrol; no one ever showed up.
Holder said later that morning he called East La Penitence Police Station and was advised to visit the station to make a report.
On checking his home, he realized that several home electronics, computers and phones were missing, amounting to about $300,000. He said a kitchen window was also broken, which could have meant that the intruder had an accomplice.
The home owner informed Stabroek News that intruders had entered his yard years ago. He said there are never police patrols in his area and he would like that to change so he can feel safe in his home again.
Holder, a former project manager for the harbour bridge including during its construction, said a few of his friends had helped install makeshift barriers to his windows and doors, but he was afraid to leave his wife at home alone. They are also afraid that if they both leave the house, the intruders might return.