CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – The Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has called for an investigation into recent incidents of sudden deaths at hospitals across the island.

In a statement on Thursday, the UWP said Health Minister Alvina Reynolds, must account for serious gaps in the Public Health System which may be resulting in deaths of patients.

“There are major concerns with regards to health and safety, medical procedures and technical

competence of some surgeons and other medical personnel,” said the UWP in a statement.

President of the party’s Women’s Arm, Petra Jeffrey-Nelson said several critical pieces of equipment have malfunctioned or are not functioning, which has resulted in casualties and other major health complications at the islands main health institutions.

“There are serious concerns regarding the technical competence of some surgeons. We understand that in recent times a number of patients, specifically women, have succumbed to or suffered severe health complications during or after surgery,” she said.

“We wish to remind Minister Reynolds that she is the custodian of the institutions which deliver health care services to the citizens of St Lucia.The UWP requests that a thorough investigation be carried out in the latest incidents and the results made public,” she added.

Last week the St Judes Hospital confirmed that it was conducting an investigation into the death of Samantha Atkins,41, a few hours after giving birth to twins.