Health Ministry Probes Asthma Patient’s Death At Savusavu Hospital
Filo Ramatau’s sister, Kiti Chapple, said her generator and gallons of fuel were at the hospital and even took a picture of it to prove that it was there.
Thursday 04 February 2021 | 10:49
An investigation has been ordered to find out the circumstances leading to the death of Adalyn Hazelman Ramatau at Savusavu Hospital on the morning of Sunday January 31, 2021.
As the winds and rain from Cyclone Ana grappled Vanua Levu and the rest of Fiji, the 23-year-old asthmatic patient was taken to Savusavu Hospital by her husband, Sonny Ramatau, and close family members.
Family members claimed that after electricity shut down, the backup generator did not kick in and medical staff were left to deal with the patient without the aid of a nebulizer or defibrillator which required electricity to operate.
Related stories
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete said he was informed by Savusavu Hospital that when the woman had come into the hospital, she was in the last stages of her asthma attack.
He said a thorough investigation was needed to get to the facts surrounding the death of the young woman.
Dr Waqainabete said the medical staff did all they could to save the young woman.
Back-up generator
On the issue of the back-up generator, Dr Waqainabete said a big generator was bought for Savusavu and installation of a part was pending before its commissioning.
He said he was informed that the hospital had two smaller generators. One of which belonged to the hospital and one was from the board of visitors.
He has called out to the young woman’s family to discuss the matter with him to understand the situation better.
He said doctors were at the hospital and tried their best to save the life of the young woman.
It was around 5am on Sunday morning when Adalyn was taken to the hospital by her family members which included her husband Sonny.
Sonny’s aunt Filo Ramatau yesterday said there was no power in the hospital on the day.
“She passed away midday Sunday. They took her to the morgue but there was no power so they had to bring my brother’s (Sonny’s father) generator to use and even my sister’s generator was on standby in case they needed it too,” she said.
“Power just came back on yesterday in Savusavu but as of now, my brother’s generator is still sitting there in the hospital.”
Filo Ramatau’s sister, Kiti Chapple, said her generator and gallons of fuel were at the hospital and even took a picture of it to prove that it was there.
Dr Waqainabete had in his earlier comment brushed aside claims that there was no backup generator.
Ms Chapple said the comments had created a lot of frustration in Savusavu.
Savusavu district advisory councillor Dayal Patel said he can also confirm that there was no power at the Savusavu Hospital.
Adalyn Ramatau is survived by her husband Sonny and two sons Terry, 2, and 10-month-old Judah.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj
