Dr Yankey’s death raises concern over PMH standard of care
The Dominican.net Newsdesk
The Dominican community has been stunned by news of the manner in which 72 year old Chairman of the Agricultural Industrial and Development (AID) Bank Dr Bernard Yankey died on Tuesday.
Chairman of the Dominica Agricultural and Investment Bank Dr Bernard Yankey
Dr Yankey was transported to the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on Friday night after he crashed his vehicle into a residential home. He appeared to have no external injuries although he complained of chest pains and some hip discomfort.
He was kept at the PMH under observation and was scheduled to be released on Tuesday, but unfortunately succumbed at 5 a.m. that morning.
This is the second time this year that an accident victim has died under similar circumstances. In April, 21 year-old Grace Joseph died at the PMH after seeing to have survived a car accident with little injury.
Dr Yankey’s death has brought into sharp focus the standard of emergency care at the PMH and already attempts are being made to assess the level of care and find ways to address any shortcomings.
The efforts are being spearheaded by DR Clayton Shillingford, president of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS).
Meanwhile, police say a routine autopsy will be carried out into the cause of death of the former public official.
Dr Yankey was a long time employee of the Caribbean Development Bank and on his return to Dominica served as the first president of the Dominica State College and Chairman of the Dominica Banana Producers Limited (DBPL).
The regional economist also served as director of the Economic Affairs Secretariat, of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Antigua.
