GPHC reviewing protocols on mental health monitoring after patient dies by suicide

A 22-year-old pregnant woman is now dead after allegedly jumping from the third floor of a ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday evening, sparking urgent questions from relatives about patient supervision and safety protocols.

Dead is Marissa Eastman, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who was six months pregnant at the time of her death.

Eastman had been admitted to the hospital earlier on Sunday after relatives became concerned about what they described as her increasingly abnormal behaviour.

According to a close relative, the young woman was recently sent to stay with family in Georgetown, after her mother observed troubling changes in her behaviour while she was living at La Parfaite Harmonie. On Sunday morning, relatives claimed that Eastman told them that people were “after her” and made statements suggesting she believed her unborn child was “godly” and could not be harmed. She also reportedly wrote a note apologising to her family that was posted on social media.

They added that Eastman had been experiencing emotional distress linked to difficulties in her relationship with her boyfriend. Because of her state of mind, she was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for medical attention. When family members visited her at the facility, they allege that were told that she was behaving hysterically, loudly calling out the names of other patients in the ward. Concerned for her safety, relatives said they asked hospital staff to ensure that she was closely monitored, sedated if necessary, or restrained to prevent her from harming herself.

Shortly after leaving the facility, relatives received the devastating news that she was dead. Information received indicates that Eastman reportedly left her bed, went through a window on the third floor of the building, and jumped approximately 30 feet onto the concrete surface below. The impact caused head injuries, including severe skull fractures and extensive brain trauma.

Relatives say they are struggling to understand how a patient displaying clear psychological distress was able to leave her bed unaccompanied, access a window, and allegedly jump from such a height without intervention.

They are now calling for a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly the monitoring procedures in place for patients exhibiting severe emotional or psychological issues.

GPHC late Sunday issued a statement confirming the death of a patient, and noted that she was “admitted for further evaluation and management”.

It added that she was reviewed then referred for psychiatric assessment where, “no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified” during the assessment.

According to GPHC, hospital officials have met with the family and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available while offering psychosocial and psychiatric support services to the family and staff affected by the tragic incident.

The hospital advised that it has initiated a “full internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the event” while reviewing existing protocols regarding patient observation and mental health monitoring, including their suicide watch polices so as to strengthen patient safety.

“The GPHC extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.

Police have since launched an investigation.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who is in emotional distress, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 915.