Dr Carl Bruce speaking to Minister of Education, Dr Dana Morris Dixon with others looking on
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Most of the students who were injured when a bus overturned along the Dublin Castle main road in Gordon Town, St Andrew on Tuesday have been discharged from the hospital following necessary treatment and observation.
The update was provided in a statement from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) on Wednesday.
Observer Online sources say only one child had not been discharged up to Tuesday night. The incident involved students from the St Martin De Porres and Louise Bennett-Coverley Primary Schools.
Reports are that the bus developed mechanical issues as it was travelling along the Dublin Castle main road. There were attempts made to restart the bus, but according to the police, it shut off once again, ran down the hill, mounted the banking, and overturned.
READ: Eight students injured in bus spill
Chief Medical Officer at the UHWI, Dr Carl Bruce, said the hospital’s paediatric, emergency, surgical and ancillary care teams were quickly mobilised in the aftermath of the incident to ensure the safe, timely and compassionate care of all children and the driver involved.
According to Dr Bruce, the UHWI received multiple patients shortly after the crash and admitted them for treatment and observation.
“The hospital’s priority was to ensure that each child and the driver received the proper medical evaluation, therapeutic interventions and ongoing monitoring as required. Coordinating closely across departments, from radiology and diagnostics to nursing care and rehabilitation services to provide a holistic, patient-centred approach,” said Dr Bruce.
“Our staff worked around the clock to assess each patient’s condition, provide necessary interventions and support families through this difficult time,” he added.
He said in addition to the direct clinical care, psychosocial support services were made available to affected students and their families.
“We understand the trauma that such an event causes and are committed to assisting in the emotional, mental and physical recovery of the children,” said Dr Bruce.
“The UHWI will continue to provide updates to relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Ministry of Education Skills, Youth and Information, and the public, as further information becomes available and as patient conditions evolve.
“The UHWI expresses its deepest concern for the welfare of the children and extends sympathy to their families, teachers and school community. We reiterate our commitment to upholding clinical excellence, compassion and safety in all our care,” he said.