The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation has launched a full internal investigation following the death of a patient who jumped through a window at the female medical ward on Sunday evening.
In a statement, GPHC said the woman was admitted on Sunday after being taken to the hospital the previous day with complaints of headaches and abnormal behaviour. She was hospitalised for further evaluation and management. According to the hospital, the patient was reviewed by the internal medicine team and subsequently referred for psychiatric assessment due to observed behavioural concerns.
Psychiatric services attended and assessed the patient, and at the time, no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified. At approximately 6:55 pm, an alarm was raised after the patient jumped through a window. Hospital staff responded immediately, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hospital officials have since met with the patient’s family and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Psychosocial and psychiatric support have been offered to the family and staff affected by the incident.
GPHC says the internal investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the death and will include a review of existing protocols related to patient observation and mental health monitoring, including suicide watch policies, to identify areas where patient safety can be strengthened.