KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) says that the midwife involved in the incident where a woman reportedly gave birth outside of the Chapelton Community Hospital, has been removed from frontline duty.

According to SRHA, its statement was issued in light of media reports that the midwife was suspended.

Chairman of the SRHA board, Wayne Chen, explained that, “suspension is a very technical word. She is not working. I have to be mindful because I don’t want to use a word in public that comes back to prejudice the process and tie our hands.”

“We don’t want to prejudice a human resource process, which is currently in train so if we choose our words carefully it is not to shy away from it…the public can judge from the sequence of events. Using particular words may sound like we have already passed judgment which would be in breach of natural justice,” Chen added.

Reports are that the woman, upon visiting Chapelton Hospital, was instead referred to the May Pen Hospital.

The statement also stated that SRHA Regional Technical Director, Dr Michael Coombs said “though it was unfortunate that [the woman] gave birth on the street, she could have avoided such an occurrence had she remained up-to-date with her prenatal examinations.”

Dr Coombs told journalists that the incident is being used as teaching moment for both patients and staff and encouraged patients to follow the instructions given by healthcare workers because “the instructions are for very good reasons to make sure they get the proper and required care.”