Lawsuit looms after childbirth nightmare
December 11, 2008
Dannett Gooden might have given birth while standing, but the mother of four refuses to take her alleged poor treatment lying down.
Gooden, whose newborn allegedly crashed to the floor when the umbilical cord broke during delivery, plans to sue the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH).
The 40-year-old hopes victory in the courtroom will reshape what she deems a culture of poor service at the maternity hospital.
"I want to sue them because that is serious. A lot of women having problems, but they are afraid to come out," Gooden said.
"They treat us like animals and we don't deserve that."
Gooden said she hoped the case would translate into a victory for all women and better service delivery to the women who give birth at the state-owned VJH in Kingston.
"(I am hoping for) better service down by the hospital, so that when other ladies go down there to have babies, they get better service."
Gooden said she was in the process of securing the services of a lawyer.
David Dobson, chief executive officer of the KPH, said the mother was well within her right. "Well it is her right. And, if she thinks she has a case ... by all means, you can't discourage her," he said....
Author: Tyrone Reid
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
