August 7, 2026
UHWI reviewing Supreme Court judgement in medical negligence matter in relation to death of teenager 8 years ago
Written byPatrice Walters
The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) says it is reviewing the comprehensive written judgment of the Supreme Court, which ruled against the hospital in a medical negligence matter in relation to the care of a teen girl who died there 8 years ago.
It is reported that the 16-year-old was admitted to the hospital in March 2018 and died in April that year.
In 2021, the parents sued the UHWI, citing emotional and psychiatric distress as well as hospital negligence.
The court said UHWI breached the duty of care and ordered the hospital to pay millions in damages.
In a statement, the UHWI acknowledged the judgment of the Supreme Court in relation to a medical negligence matter arising from events that occurred in 2018.
The hospital also acknowledged that no court decision can erase the pain of losing a loved one and extended condolences to the affected family.
It said healthcare is built on trust, and UHWI recognises that the court’s judgment may cause concern among patients, families, and the wider public.
The hospital said it remains committed to transparency, transformation, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that every opportunity to strengthen systems contributes to safer, higher-quality care.
It said in recent years, it has taken significant steps to strengthen its clinical governance, patient safety, and quality assurance systems while investing in modern technology, digital transformation, staff development, and enhanced multidisciplinary care and improved governance.
These improvements reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to continuously strengthen the quality, safety, and experience of care for every patient.
It said, as is standard practice following a judgment of this nature, the hospital’s attorneys are reviewing the court’s comprehensive written judgment.
As part of UHWI’s ongoing transformation and commitment to responsive, patient-centred care, it recently launched dedicated customer care channels, providing patients and their families with a direct way to ask questions, share feedback, raise concerns, or make complaints.
The UHWI stressed that every day, physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and support teams care for thousands of Jamaicans, performing complex surgical and medical procedures, treating critically ill patients, and helping many recover.
