My name is Gillian Field and I am the mother of Narissa Marie Field. Narissa was involved in a vehicular accident on Saturday, May 31, 2014. She was first taken to the St James Health Facility and then to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where she passed away in the Intensive Care Unit.So often I have read and heard very negative reports about the hospital but, through this letter, I would like to let people know about the professional, compassionate and dedicated staff that my daughter, my family and I encountered at POSGH.When I arrived at the hospital the only person I could see was a security guard. I waited for some time and then, when I could no longer contain myself, I asked her to see if she could find out anything about my daughter. She looked at me with an expression of pure compassion and said she would find out what she could.
After a short time she returned and told me that my daughter's condition was very serious and that a doctor would come to speak with me. A young doctor came out and asked me to come with him. He took me to a small office to fill out paperwork and then began explaining my daughter's condition. At that same time my daughter was being taken to the X-ray department.
That was the first time I got a look at my Narissa. It was a sight no mother should ever see. My knees buckled but the caring doctor reached out, held me and guided me to a chair. He spoke softly, taking great care to explain clearly what was happening. My daughter was then rushed to surgery and I was taken to a waiting area just across from the surgical wing, where I was told I could wait with my family and friends. During the surgery a doctor came out to speak with me to get my permission and signature to perform an essential procedure. Once again this doctor spoke softly and explained clearly everything that was happening. After the surgery another doctor spoke with me, warning me that there was not much hope. I was devastated. He called members of my family to support me. He then patiently and gently prepared me for what I was about to see. He explained that my daughter would have tubes in her nose and mouth–again a sight no parent should see.
I was told that Narissa would be transferred to ICU and I was allowed to wait outside, and walk with the attendants taking her there. The attendants even stopped for just a moment to allow me to kiss my daughter. I was then taken into a small room and again a doctor spoke gently to me explaining the gravity of my daughter's condition. The ICU staff allowed me to go in and see my daughter. They all spoke to me with compassion and were very accommodating. Shortly after, my daughter passed away. When I was finally able to speak, and think, a nurse at ICU carefully and gently explained that an autopsy had to be done.On the day of the autopsy I went to the mortuary and told the attendant my reason for being there. He said, "Oh Narissa?" I found it so sweet that he knew who I was talking about and this made the experience of identifying my daughter's body a personal one.
I then met the doctor who would perform the autopsy. She made an unbearable situation bearable by her caring and supportive manner. She went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the police got there. With the autopsy done I went to register the death at the hospital and again met with kind staff who in a short time gave me the documents.I am deeply sorry that I do not know the names of each and every person I encountered. I left the Port-of-Spain General Hospital changed forever, but eternally grateful to the staff.I want to sincerely thank each and everyone at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital who cared for Narissa Marie Field. I hope you continue to do the amazing job that you do and I ask God to bless each and every one of you. I also call on the Government to give you all the support that is necessary to continue your work.
Gillian Field
Mother of Narissa Marie Field