Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton
The investigation report into the death of People’s National Party (PNP) councillor Rohan Bryan at Princess Margaret Hospital in St. Thomas a year ago has been completed.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says copies of the report are with the ministry and the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA).
The investigation was conducted to determine if negligence led to the councillor’s death.
Dr. Tufton gave an update on the matter following a tour of Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday. He noted that it is now a legal matter.
“There are some discussions that are taking place. The family was met with and the report explained. They have, as I understand it, engaged a legal team to continue the dialogue and in response, of course, it is now a legal matter and so the legal team on the side of the ministry will also similarly have to engage that conversation. What it will lead to, I don’t think I should preempt and say. I would prefer to allow that process to take its course,” he stressed.
Dr. Tufton said the death of the councillor under contentious circumstances was unfortunate. He acknowledged that there are lessons to be learned from the incident.
“But out of respect for the family and for others who are involved, including the institution, and the need for a hearing of sorts to be had, which may have legal implications, I prefer to reserve any further comment until that process is completed,” he maintained.
Mr. Bryan, who represented the Morant Bay Division in the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, died of a heart condition at the hospital on May 1, 2024.
It’s reported that he was sent to Kingston in his private vehicle to a medical facility, without the assistance of staff from the hospital because the two ambulances assigned to the hospital were not available.