Opposition against Patrece Charles Freeman leading dead babies probe

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) says it is totally sickened by the gruesome discovery of missing bodies of neonates at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and the subsequent finding of the missing dead babies among stray dogs in downtown, Kingston.

The PNP says the horrific incident reveals an unspeakable lack of care and mismanagement of the hospital systems, which warrant the ultimate sanctions.

The party further says that questions must arise from the government's approach to the investigation ordered by the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), which is being led by Dr Patrece Charles Freeman.

It notes that Charles Freeman is a director of SERHA, under whose watch KPH falls, and thus would be investigating a matter for which her board had direct oversight responsibility.

In a statement, Shadow Minister of Health Dr Dayton Campbell said the appointment is highly inappropriate and the results of any investigation carried out under her leadership could not be taken seriously.

Campbell argues that the fact that Charles Freeman is a director of SERHA should have disqualified her from leading the probe as it breached the principles of natural justice and fairness.

"Consequently, the party strongly objects to the appointment of a director of the SERHA Board Dr Charles Freeman as the sole inquirer into this scandalous mess," Campbell said.

“This is tantamount to investigating one's self. We believe that the investigation should be done independent of the members of SERHA and by persons who are so qualified in the area of the subject matter, including the use of forensic technology,” he added.

Campbell also called for the number of neonates that died in 2017 and 2018 to be made public.

“The opposition recognises how difficult this must be for the grieving families who, having lost their ‘bundles of joy’, are now unable to be dignified with a proper burial. We offer our sympathies and ask for justice to be served to prevent any such recurrence.” Campbell said.

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