This website aims to inform patients of their rights, and urge them to be alert and pro-active in their health care. We welcome constructive comments alerting readers to medical issues in the Bahamas or elsewhere.
However, we cannot accept comments that would raise issues of libel against any individual. The only defense to libel is to prove the truth of the comment made. This could result in a court action, and expert witnesses would have to attend to give evidence as to the truth of the comment.
This is a difficult and expensive exercise in the first instance, and if unsuccessful it could lead to a substantial award of damages and costs against the commentator. Once evidence is given in court, the testimony is in the public domain.
A patient may be well advised at times, including emergency situations, to get second opinions on proposed medical treatments.
If a second opinion is not feasible, then we recommend accessing medical information on the internet for internationally recognized relevant standards of treatment. But it is always preferable to obtain the advice of a doctor who is able to physically examine a patient and review their records.
The window of opportunity for effective treatment can close quickly, and inappropriate treatment may accelerate that loss of opportunity. If the attending doctor does not respond appropriately, and the patient continues to complain and deteriorate, you should seek alternative advice, and/or consider a transfer to another healthcare facility.
We also urge patients with legitimate grievances against any medical professional or medical facility to file complaints with the relevant authority - the Medical Council or the Hospitals and Health Care Facilities Board. The duties and powers of these Boards are set out in the Medical Council Act, Chapter 224, and the Hospital And Health Care Facilities Act , Chapter 235 of the Statute Laws of The Bahamas.
Other health professionals are regulated by the Health Professions Act, 1998, Chapter 233, Statute Laws of the Bahamas. Statute Laws of The Bahamas are available online, at www.bahamas.gov.bs.
We would also ask that you review and sign the attached petition asking the government to enforce healthcare regulations and improve patient survival rates.
Patients are entitled to appropriate care, and accountability is required when such care is not delivered. Inappropriate care and/or neglect may result in a criminal complaint to the police, in addition to civil liability.
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