medicalcare

The family of Kachara Marshall is mourning the loss of a woman they describe as a devoted mother, passionate educator and mentor to young athletes, while also calling for accountability in the nation’s healthcare system after the circumstances surrounding her death.

Marshall died last week following a medical emergency. Her mother believes the tragedy could have been prevented.

“She passed away because of neglect,” she said, recounting the family’s desperate search for care.

According to her mother, Marshall was first taken to Doctors Hospital, where she waited in the lobby for several hours while struggling to breathe. Family members said nurses checked her pulse and breathing, but she was not admitted.

She says the private hospital requested additional payment beyond the $5,000 already provided.

The mother said they offered more money, but were told the hospital would not register her.

Without explanation, she claimed, Marshall was turned away and advised to seek treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital.

By the time she arrived at the public hospital, the family said, another obstacle emerged — a shortage of beds. Marshall reportedly remained in the ambulance outside for about an hour before she was taken inside.

“She went in there and could not breathe. Her chest was closing and she was crying,” her mother said.

The family claims Marshall waited nearly another hour inside before anyone checked on her.

“She was dying,” her mother said. “She felt the breath leaving her body.”

By the time medical staff realized the severity of her condition, relatives say, she had already died.

For many Bahamians, the story struck a painful chord.

“Something has to be done with our healthcare system. It’s deplorable,” said Tanya Duncombe.

Others echoed the call for change.

“We need real change in this country. Bahamian health is more important than anything,” Jason Bain wrote.

Beyond the controversy surrounding her death, friends say Marshall’s life left a lasting mark on the community.

A former English teacher who rose to become senior mistress at L.W. Young Junior High School, she also served as subject secretary for English and mentored countless students.

Outside the classroom, she was the owner of Paradise Gymnastics and a coach who helped train and inspire young athletes across the country.

“You helped shape so many talented young gymnasts in the Bahamas,” one tribute read. “Not only strong athletes, but confident young women.”

Friends described her as compassionate, intelligent and generous with her time.

“My best friend, our journey cannot be over,” said Hallnika Bain in a social media tribute. “I love you, my sister.”

Others remembered her as “a true gem,” “a beautiful soul,” and “the best neighbour you could ask for.”

Marshall leaves behind two children, a grieving family and a community now again asking difficult questions about the healthcare system.

A 28-year-old sickle-cell disease patient recovering from surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital was reportedly left unattended overnight– staff did not change her or check on her until the next morning, according to her family, the Tribune reported.

Branyiell Hall underwent surgery on Wednesday and depended on nurses for care. In a voice note shared with family, she said: “From I come off of theatres yesterday, I was peeing,” Ms Hall said in the recording. “When I come on the ward, the night shift didn’t change my pamper or nothing. My whole bed was wet up and come this morning nobody change me and I just here laying in piss. This new nurse who come on this morning, they just finish trying to clean me up. Where I so painful, and she went and got me something for pain.”

Click here to listen to Branyiell Hall express agony while at PMH

Her sister Branae Russell posted to social media: “She didn’t sleep at all. She was up the whole night in pain, uncomfortable, and embarrassed. She kept calling for them, but nobody came. She felt disgusted lying in her own urine all night, and then the scent, it was terrible.”

The incident has reignited public concern over staffing shortages, working conditions, and overall care standards at the country’s main public hospital.

The Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) recently confirmed the system is missing roughly 500 registered nurses including critical-care, neonatal, dialysis, and midwifery roles.

Staff dissatisfaction, resignations, and reported supply and infrastructure issues like leaks, infestations, and overcrowding have been documented at PMH. A senior nurse who spoke publicly about these problems was recently suspended, although later reinstated after review.

What this means

Neglect allegations undermine public trust in the hospital system, and a lack of timely care threatens patient health.

With 500 fewer nurses and high staff turnover, the burden on remaining staff is enormous, which can result in errors, delays, reduced patient care quality, and burnout.

Reports of leaks, rodent issues, supply shortages, and overcrowding suggest infrastructure and resource failures.

When nurses raising concerns are suspended and when patients suffer, the public demands clarity: Who is responsible? What is being done? How will authorities ensure to raise the standard of care?

What to watch next

If PHA or the Ministry of Health launches a full independent review of the patient’s allegations, including staffing levels, incident logs, and care protocols, will we know the outcome?

Other patients or families have come forward with similar experiences, indicating a pattern and not just a single case.

Bottom line

This story is a symptom of a strained hospital system under pressure, where staffing shortages and infrastructure failures threaten patient care, especially for the most vulnerable.

Dr Ajita Wallace-Pinder, a member of Princess Margaret Hospital’s medical team, is one step closer to getting a new heart after she was flown out of the country to undergo surgery in a rush to save her life.

Her family and friends seeking to raise $200,000, received over $99,000 in a crowdfunding effort and were able to get her the initial medical care she needed.

She was airlifted to a cardiac center on Friday and completed an LVAD placement procedure–a left ventricular assist device that is implanted in the chest to help pump blood from the lower left heart chamber to the rest of the body.

“The family of Dr Wallace-Pinder wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has extended prayers, well wishes, and financial contributions to support her during this challenging time. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated.” Dr Gemma Rolle, President of the Medical Association of The Bahamas said.

Ajita’s distraught husband and PMH colleagues called a press conference last week, pleading for donations to get quick medical care for the 41-year-old doctor.

She is newly married and is described as “a comforter, motivator, helper, confidant, friend and life of the party.”

Friends said Ajita became ill in recent weeks but continued working until a few days ago, when she became severe and was admitted to the intensive care unit.

“When we think of heart transplant, we are talking millions of dollars, and quotes of three million being passed around probably just scratches the surface because it is not just the actual surgery we are covering.”

“We are covering the care of keeping her going until she gets this transplant, and then there is the after-care, there is the rehab, all of what she has to endure thereafter just to get back on that battlefield with us,” Rolle said.

If you would like to assist, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ajita-get-a-new-heart