Cornwall Regional Hospital Faces Scrutiny After Newborn’s death. ST. JAMES, Jamaica — The Cornwall Regional Hospital has escalated its investigation into the death of a baby delivered at the hospital on Good Friday.
In a press release on Wednesday, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) expressed its condolences over the death of Shandale Ballentine’s baby and extended heartfelt sympathy to the patient and the families affected by this tragedy. Additionally, the hospital is providing psychosocial support to Ballentine and her family.
The hospital’s statement was released after the mother shared her distressing delivery experience on TikTok.
According to Ballentine, she was classified as a high-risk patient due to high blood pressure throughout her pregnancy. She was admitted to the hospital on March 24, 2026, and remained there for four days. After being discharged with medication to manage her blood pressure, she returned to the hospital after experiencing significant swelling in her face, feet, and hands.
Upon readmission, she stated that doctors attempted to induce her labor the following Thursday, but it was unsuccessful. After another attempt on Friday, the doctors broke her water. Ballentine reported that the baby was allegedly stuck in her birth canal for about 30 minutes, and despite her pleas for a C-section, the medical staff reportedly refused to perform one. Consequently, the baby was stillborn.
Dawes demands accountability after death of baby at Cornwall Regional Hospital
In response to this incident, Dr. Alfred Dawes, the Opposition spokesman on Health and Wellness, has called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Ballentine’s baby.
“This tragedy is the direct consequence of nine years of neglect and a culture of no accountability from Minister [Christopher] Tufton,” Dawes said in a press release. “His consistent pattern of denying involvement and deflecting blame must end. The unfinished corridors of Cornwall Regional Hospital stand as monuments to this Government’s failed leadership. Jamaica deserves action, not just another PR moment.”
Dawes expressed profound sorrow for Shandale Ballentine, a 33-year-old first-time mother.