Balwant Singh’s Hospital says Paediatrician, nurse did not inform them of COVID-19 symptoms

Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital on Sunday said that its Paediatrician Dr Seepersaud Chatterdeo who recently died from COVID-19 and his nurse Sasha Hublall-Ali never indicated to the hospital administration that they experienced symptoms of the disease.

Dr Chatterdeo died at the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital on August 30 and it was later revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 after his death.

A statement from the hospital expressed sadness over Dr Chatterdeo’s death but noted that he was only brought to the hospital two hours before his demise.

“Since his passing, Dr. Chattardeo’s family has confirmed that he was experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. However, neither he nor his nurse (who was employed by him) ever indicated this to the hospital administration. Dr. Chattardeo was only brought to the hospital two hours before his demise,” the statement noted.

The hospital said that the renowned doctor worked at the hospital “off and on” as a Paediatrician/Neonatologist.

The hospital has since informed all patients and staff who may have been in contact with the doctor to remain vigilant and be tested if they experience any symptoms.

“We have also tested and quarantined all medical personnel that were involved in his care while at the hospital. It must be noted that this action was taken the day after we received information that he had tested positive for COVID-19, even though we did not have the final report in our possession.”

“In an effort to ensure that other health facilities, where Dr. Chattardeo also worked, take the necessary steps of contact tracing and containment, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital also informed the Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, of these developments.”

Sasha Hublall-Ali, the nurse who worked with him, took to social media at the weekend and expressed frustration after she was told that she needs to wait two to three weeks for her COVID-19 test results even though she is displaying most of the symptoms of the dreaded disease.

Nurse Hublall-Ali said she shared similar symptoms with Dr Chatterdeo such as loss of taste, smell and congestion.

See the hospital’s full statement below:

DBSH DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF DR. CHATTARDEO

– Tested and quarantined all medical personnel involved in his care while at the hospital

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020: Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital today expressed deep sadness over the untimely death of Dr. Seepersaud Chattardeo, who worked with the hospital, off and on, as a Paediatrician/Neonatologist.

Since his passing, Dr. Chattardeo’s family has confirmed that he was experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. However, neither he nor his nurse (who was employed by him) ever indicated this to the hospital administration. Dr. Chattardeo was only brought to the hospital two hours before his demise.

To protect our patients and staff we have informed all who may have been in contact with him to remain vigilant and be tested if they experience any symptoms, this includes patients deemed at risk, and their families.

We have also tested and quarantined all medical personnel that were involved in his care while at the hospital. It must be noted that this action was taken the day after we received information that he had tested positive for COVID-19, even though we did not have the final report in our possession.

In an effort to ensure that other health facilities, where Dr. Chattardeo also worked, take the necessary steps of contact tracing and containment, the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital also informed the Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, of these developments.

In the face of this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital remains vigilant to protect the lives of all who come to us for health care, as well as the lives of our caregivers and their families.