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Media Release: Response to Guardian Article-Injured Cops turned away from Health Facility

 

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Response to Guardian Article-Injured Cops turned away from Health Facility

 

San Fernando, April 20th, 2018. In response to the Guardian article published April 18th, 2018 entitled “Injured Cops turned away from health facility”, the South-West Regional Health Authority wishes to assure the public that it is not the policy of the SWRHA to deny access to any client seeking medical attention at any of our healthcare facilities.

On Sunday 15th April, 2018 at approximately 3:40 a.m., three police officers accessed healthcare services at the Couva District Health Facility’s Emergency Department. As is customary, at the start of the triage process, especially for repeat clients, staff inquired the purpose of the visit and whether or not one of the officers had an Emergency Department Registration Card.

It has been and continues to be our practice that all clients accessing healthcare at any of our facilities, especially emergency care, receive the best clinical care as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the police officers left prior to completing the triage process.

As a result, we wish to extend an apology to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, as well as the three police officers for any misunderstanding and inconvenience caused as a result.  We are currently engaged in discussions with the officers at the Couva Police Station to finalise our report on the investigation and appropriate action will be taken.

We also wish to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the continued provision of healthcare to the population of the South-West Region.

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Contact Us

  • Paradise Pasture, Independence Avenue, San Fernando
  • Regional Administration Centre - PBX Info: (868) 225-HEAL (4325), Customer Service Hotline 87-SWRHA(877-9742)
  • customerservice@swrha.co.tt