Boy dies after football match
By: ANIKA GUMBS (Newsday)Thursday, August 31 2006
ONE month after 18-year-old Melvin Moses died from an injury sustained during a football match, his family is seeking answers as to why his medical condition was never treated at San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH).
An autopsy revealed Moses died of haemorrhagic pancreatitis (bleeding of the pancreas) caused by an impact to the lower abdomen.
Grief-stricken sister, Sharon Moses, 38, of Sheila La Morell Drive, Palo Seco, said her brother was struck when he collided with another player on July 10. The incident happened at the Rancho Quemado Primary School grounds. On July 13, Moses complained of stomach pains. He was admitted to the Point Fortin Area Hospital.
On July 15, Moses was transferred to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department at the SFGH. After an X-ray was done, Moses spent a night at the institution and was discharged the following day.
However, after complaining of stomach pains, family members rushed him to the Penal Medical Centre. After being medically examined, Moses was taken to the SFGH by an ambulance where he was re-admitted to the A&E department. Doctors ordered an ultrasound examination be done.
According to the test, Moses’ pancreas gland was damaged as a result of an impact.
Moses remained at the SFGH for five days. He was discharged with the advice to family members that he not consume milk, juice or any foods containing fat, sugar or salt.
But while at home, Moses began experiencing breathing problems and was again taken to the SFGH. He was re-admitted to ward nine. Sharon said that doctors there informed her that their brother had taken a turn for the worse. Moses was transferred to the Seventh Day Aventist Hospital in Cocorite where he died within hours.
“My brother’s death could have been avoided...... why must persons lives be ripped away. They did not diagnose his condition at the San Fernando hospital,” Sharon said. Contacted for a response, Communications Officer at the South-West Regional Health Authority, Nalini Parasram, issued a release in which she stated: “Mr Moses was admitted to the SFGH on three occasions — July 14, 15 and 24.
An investigation has been launched into his family’s allegations."
DEAD: Melvin Moses, died one month after receiving a blow in a football match....