Health Ministry responds to media statements

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MHW) has responded to statements in the media regarding the ongoing Police investigation into the recent death of an infant at the Peebles Hospital. A spokesperson for the Ministry confirmed that the Hospital's records show that, between January 16 and 29, 2004, there were two infant deaths one stillbirth and one miscarriage of 20 weeks gestation. However, as a result of obligations to protect patients' confidential information, the Ministry is unable to give specific details on these cases. Ministry officials stressed that, at all times, the Peebles Hospital endeavours to provide the best possible care and to take all the necessary steps to ensure the most favourable outcomes are achieved. According to the Ministry, in all cases in which a patient dies under the Hospital's care, the procedures taken and the overall management of that patient are critically evaluated to determine whether all steps were followed to prevent death. The Ministry's position is that investigations have led to the determination that all possible steps were taken by the Peebles Hospital to prevent death in these two recent cases. The Ministry also assured members of the public that the Peebles Hospital will continue to strive to perfect the quality of patient care currently being provided to the BVI community.