Dr. Robert Brady, a United States-based surgeon, criticized the condition of the infrastructure at Jamaica’s public health facilities after his team was forced to postpone a life-changing surgery for an 11-year-old girl.
The orthopedic surgeon, the section chief at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, traveled to Jamaica with a team of doctors last week to perform orthopedic-related surgeries for children with severe health challenges, including scoliosis.
Dr. Brady said he has been traveling to Jamaica for two decades. He described this year’s mission as “terrible,” as his team was only able to perform five surgeries – four at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) and one at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).
The surgeon said the team usually does 12 to 16 surgeries per trip. This time, he blamed dilapidated infrastructure for the shortfall.
His comment came after the Gleaner reported on Thursday that 11-year-old Ajanae Parchment had her surgery postponed because of issues with one of the operating theaters at the BHC.
Ajanae, who suffers from scoliosis, was referred to the BHC for treatment.
At the time of her diagnosis, the curve of Ajanae’s spine was 25 degrees. It has since moved to 85 degrees.
Dr. Robert Brady’s team and one of Jamaica’s leading orthopedic surgeons were scheduled to perform the surgery.
According to The Gleaner, Ajanae’s mother, Sandra Aitcheson, said the surgeons could not proceed with the surgery this week at the BHC because the operating theater had mold. Plus, there were air-conditioning challenges and a need for the necessary equipment.
On Thursday, Brady said that his team had not decided to abort the surgery. He also said the team did not get to evaluate or see Ajanae.
Speaking to journalists from the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, Dr. Robert Brady said: “Our goal is to do as many cases as possible and help as many children under any circumstances. We knew that they had an AC problem. We requested surgery at different hospitals two months before we arrived in Jamaica, and our request was ignored.”
On Thursday, Dr. Tufton told journalists at a press conference that arrangements have been made with the UHWI for Ajanae to undergo the surgery.
Dr. Tufton said he became aware of Ajanae’s situation on Wednesday and consulted with various health sector stakeholders to address the matter.
He said the UHWI has consented to facilitate the surgery based on discussions with the lead clinician, Dr Carl Bruce.
The hospital promised it would provide an operating theater, along with all the necessary equipment and supporting staff.
However, Dr. Robert Brady has confirmed that it was no longer possible for the team to perform the surgery.
“You can’t make that request one day before we leave and expect it to be granted. That’s not reasonable, and that’s not good. I’m going to help her. It’s not going to be on this trip, but the facilities need to be to the point where they actually want us to come here and help as many people as possible,” said Dr. Robert Brady.
One thought on “Dr. Robert Brady Criticized Jamaican Hospital Infrastructure.”