A couple, Mr. Ekow Andoh and Mrs. Sandra Tekyiwaa Sackey, has filed a lawsuit against St. John Hospital & Fertility Centre, alleging the hospital’s responsibility for the death of their baby.
The couple is seeking GH¢5 million in damages, citing loss of life, pain, and suffering caused by the alleged actions of the hospital.
In their formal complaint, Mr. Andoh and Mrs. Sackey request the court to declare the hospital vicariously liable for the medical negligence of its healthcare staff, claiming that the negligence led to their baby’s severe asphyxia and subsequent death.
They also seek an order for the defendant to cover the costs of litigation, including legal fees based on the Ghana Bar Association Scale of Fees 2022.
The couple argues that the hospital was aware or should have been aware that the actions and inactions of its health workers fell below the standard of care.
They claim that the hospital’s midwives refused the 2nd Plaintiff’s request for an elective caesarian section, leading to a prolonged delivery and severe asphyxiation, ultimately resulting in the baby’s death.
Furthermore, the couple alleges that the hospital’s delay in decision-making and inadequate care contributed to the severe asphyxiation and the subsequent death of their baby.
The 2nd Plaintiff, upon discharge from the hospital, experienced discomfort, noticing colored discharge from the stitched part of her vagina. Additionally, she reported feeling dizzy, weak, and easily fatigued.
Upon examination by Holy Care Specialist Hospital about a week later, it was observed that the stitches were not carried out to standard, leading to infection and discharge. The 2nd Plaintiff was found to have ongoing anemia with a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dl.
The couple claims that St. John Hospital & Fertility Centre, as the owner of a WhatsApp group called “ST. JOHN’S PREGNANCY CLASS,” blamed Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for the baby’s death, not acknowledging their own responsibility.
The hospital allegedly removed the 2nd Plaintiff from the WhatsApp group amid inquiries from other pregnant mothers about the tragic incident.
