Dear Editor,

We the women of Red Thread have read in the Kaieteur News dated 29th October 2009 of the brutal death of Samantha Marks, another victim of domestic violence. We have written letters in the past about this epidemic of violence against women of all races in Guyana. We are writing this particular letter to question the quality of care available at the Georgetown Hospital. Samantha Marks was beaten by her husband, went to the hospital on the 16th October 2009 for treatment for her injuries was treated and sent away.

On the 19th October she went back to the hospital because she was not getting relief from her pains, was admitted and later died. The post-mortem said she died of ‘Subdural Hemorrhage.’ What kind of examination was done to diagnose her injuries before she was sent home on October 16, 09?  What is the domestic violence protocol in place at the hospital to guide medical personnel?

Yours faithfully,
Shirley Shaffeek
Cora Belle