In a stunning display of medical mastery, a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals from the May Pen Hospital has saved the life of a patient who received a stab wound to the heart, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s growing trauma care capabilities.

The team that carried out the groundbreaking procedure, led by acting consultant in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, Dr Natoya Hall-Okori, has been lauded by Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton.

According to the hospital, the patient was transported to the facility after being stabbed in the heart and was attended to minutes after arrival there. The circumstances under which the patient received the wound was not disclosed.

The hospital noted that, following several medical procedures, including open heart surgery, the patient survived. A full recovery was confirmed after the patient was discharged following continued monitoring and treatment.

Tufton, in a statement issued on Tuesday, praised the medical team for performing the medical procedures under challenging circumstances.

“A big shout-out and congratulations to Dr Hall-Okori and her team at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon for this milestone achievement of saving a life under question extremely difficult circumstances. We are proud of the team, I am proud of the team, proud of the institution, [and] proud of public health on this very important life-saving achievement,” Tufton said.

Noting that medical teams don’t always get the recognition they deserve for such historic medical accomplishments, the minister urged Hall-Okori to let Tuesday be a special day for her.

“I know you do it every day, but this particular incident clearly demonstrates your expertise, your courage, your boldness, and team work, very importantly,” Tufton shared.

“Big up again, congrats, God bless you all and continue to do the work that you have charged to do in the interest of public health and the Jamaican people,” he concluded.