Government-instituted COVID-19 lockdowns are difficult for many, but for mother of four, Jovianna Edmund, the past six months has seen her lost her job, family and health.
Edmund, 35, has been languishing at the San Fernando General Hospital since March. She said doctors are yet to provide her with a diagnosis for seizures, shortness of breath and constant dizziness. As she spoke to the Sunday Guardian, she appealed to anyone to help her get the necessary health care as she said doctors are ignoring her.
Edmund worked at MovieTowne, Chaguanas, last year as a maintenance worker until October when the company closed the branch due to the fall out from COVID-19 restrictions. At the time, she rented a home in Carapichaima, where she cared for her four children, Elijah, 12, Daniel, ten, Amy, eight and Joshua, seven. Without a job, she was unable to pay her rent, and illness befell her.
"I was getting public assistance, and it stopped for what reason I do not know. I was not working, and I was not getting work anywhere, so I could not pay the rent. The landlord gave me notice on March 1 and then put me out. After that, I went to a shelter in Tunapuna, but the owner had legal issues with the property and had to go to court. I got a place in Point Fortin where I spent a night, but they told me I could not stay because it was a rehabilitation centre," Edmund said.
By morning, Edmund was standing on the roadside with her bags. She said she fainted, and someone took her to the hospital as she had intense pain in her throat, shoulders, hand, chest and back. Edmund said because of stomach problems, she needs an evaluation from a gastroenterologist, who refuses to see her.
It is physically and emotionally painful for Edmund, who said that since her hospitalisation, she has not seen or spoken to her children.
"I had never been away from them so long."
Her youngest child stays with her mother, while the others are with their father.
"How I am sick I am not able to see them. It hurts a lot, and, sadly, I cannot see them."
Edmund claimed she was alone in this fight as relatives do not check on her.
She is appealing to anyone with the power to help her to save her life and her family.
"Most importantly, I need medical attention very urgently because I am not getting the treatment I require, and they are ignoring me. I am suffering badly here, and nobody is taking me on. Patients have a right to get the proper treatment.
"Up to today, I do not know what my condition is, and all they give me is Buscopan and Gravol. The pain is getting stronger and stronger. I keep on crying in pain, and they keep on ignoring me. Wednesday, I got up, and I fell and had a seizure, and I was gasping for breath."
Edmund said whenever the hospital discharges her, she will need help with accommodation as she has nowhere to stay. Her dream is to have her family back together.
SWRHA responds
In response, the South-West Regional Health Authority said that following the complaint that was brought to its attention, "the Authority will, as per our complaint protocols, liaise with Edmund and investigate her situation to ensure that she continues to receive due care and attention."
To help Edmund you can call 681-8907.