By Markelia Rumble

Opposition spokesman on health, Dr. Alfred Dawes, has called on the Health Ministry to provide a more detailed and empathetic response to allegations of gross negligence surrounding the tragic death of a 4-year-old girl at Bustamante Hospital for Children.

Alexandrianna Jones reportedly passed away from complications following surgery.

Her grieving family has raised concerns about the circumstances of her death.

On Tuesday, the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) issued a statement confirming that Bustamante Hospital had launched an internal investigation into the case.

The statement also encouraged the family to submit a formal complaint to facilitate a meeting with the hospital’s teams and address their concerns directly.

However, Dr. Dawes criticized the Ministry’s statement saying it only perpetuated the emotional distress.

Dr. Dawes described the Health Ministry’s silence on the issue as deafening.

He said the Ministry is to immediately clarify the timing and circumstances of the child’s death to help bring closure to the parties involved.

Meantime, Dr. Dawes pointed out that the alleged absence of essential resources needed to help the child is deeply concerning.