The administration of Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) is contemplating recovering some of the treatment costs from gunshot victims who have health insurance as it grapples with a surge in the demand for critical care services because of the flare up in violence.
Dr Jackson-Gibson, Consultant Anaesthetist at the KPH, last month told a Joint Select Committee of Parliament that for the period January to June 20 this year, there were 28 admissions to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for gunshot wounds.
Dr Jackson-Gibson estimated that the KPH had spent close to $80 million to treat the emergency patients.
The hospital has suspended elective surgeries and is now out of bed space due to an increase in gunshot, stabbing and motor vehicle crash victims seeking treatment.
More than 400 patients have been treated for gunshot injuries at the KPH since January.
Errol Greene, the hospital’s CEO, told RJR News that the KPH is looking at adopting a similar policy for persons injured in motor vehicle crashes.
Wow !