Below is a statement, in full, from the University Hospital of the West Indies

There have been recent reports in the print and electronic media concerning the care of the infant child of Mr Jason Young and Mrs Charlotte Young at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Particularly, there was an article published in the Jamaica Observer on September 20, 2018, titled “Court Orders UHWI to release infant’s medical records to parents”. This article contains a statement made by Jamaicans for Justice on the issue.

The hospital regrets the diagnosis of the child of Mr and Mrs Young. However, certain of the media reports contain inaccuracies regarding the care of the child at the hospital. 

The hospital prides itself on thorough patient care and in all circumstances adheres to the rights of the patients. The hospital also takes utmost care when the health of a minor is involved and acts at all times in the best interest of the child.

The child was admitted and was thereafter diagnosed with a form of cancer and chemotherapy was recommended. The child’s medical condition was explained in layman’s terms to the parents. The parents, however, refused to consent to the chemotherapy indicating that they wished instead for the child to be discharged against medical advice as nothing was wrong with her. The hospital is unable to administer such treatment without the consent of the parents and therefore referred the matter to the Office of the Children’s Advocate and that office brought an action for the court to order that the child should receive the chemotherapy treatment.

The hospital was at all times transparent in its communication with the parents and provided advice, information and records to inform the parents on the care of their child. However, there seemed to be a general misunderstanding and the parents filed an application seeking various orders against the hospital, including that the hospital should disclose the medical records of the child and other information concerning her prognosis.

Subsequent to the making of that order, evidence was placed before the court from an independent expert chosen by the parents who confirmed the hospital’s diagnosis and recommended that the child undergoes chemotherapy treatment. The Court has since made an order that the child undergo chemotherapy in respect of which the hospital has undertaken to bear the costs.

The hospital wishes the parents and the child all the best in the treatment.

We trust that the misunderstandings which have been promulgated have been clarified. The hospital however will not comment further on this matter since it is still before the Court and involves issues surrounding a minor.

We also urge the relevant bodies and the media to respect the privacy of the parents in this obviously difficult time, and to also appreciate that the hospital remains committed to serving Jamaicans at the highest standard possible.