Somatie Singh, the 22-year-old mother who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital in September under controversial circumstances, should have been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) right after she gave birth, according to the Medical Council of Guyana (MCG).

The hospital had been asked to conduct an investigation into the death after her relatives reported that a nurse and a nursing assistant, both of whom were sent on leave during the investigation, had mistreated her. It was reported that after denying her a bedpan they had taken off a vital oxygen mask and made her walk to the bathroom.

Following the completion of the investigation the hospital's administration had forwarded the report to the Medical Council of Guyana for further recommendations.

In its report the council said that the woman should have been transferred to the ICU because of her diagnosis, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, which has a high mortality rate. The council's report added weight to concerns that Singh was not appropriately handled on her admission. Aside from a statement issued through the Government Information Agency, the hospital has said nothing else on this matter.

The MCG also pointed out that patients with cardiac disease needed special intensive care following childbirth, as maternal mortality and morbidity were extremely high in the immediate days after delivery.

"Whether this would have made any difference in the ultimate outcome of the patient is irrelevant," the report said.

In relation to the nurses' actions, the report said that while it was not humane, it must be seen against the background of under staffing, under training and poor supervision in general.

"It is our belief that immediate patient outcome clearly was as a result of interdisciplinary failures which require institutional solutions."

The council said that it stands ready at all times to be involved in issues of physician management.

The council reviewed the hospital's report on October 20 and its recommendation also pointed out that the council did not have jurisdiction in investigating patient mismanagement involving nurses.

After receiving the recommendation from the council the hospital's administration allowed the two nursing staff back on the job after sending them warning letters stating that their performance would be closely monitored.

The young woman's relatives were unsatisfied with the outcome and they have since taken a lawyer for advice on what action could be taken against the hospital.