princessmargarethospital

In an election year, the nation’s healthcare system is once again under intense public scrutiny, fueled by a series of troubling stories involving women who sought care at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Over the last few years, four separate cases, among others, have sparked outrage, grief, and renewed debate about the quality of care at the country’s main public hospital.

The death of 33-year-old mother of three Kenise Darville in 2023, shook the public after a Facebook livestream from her hospital bed circulated widely online. In the emotional video, Darville said she was in severe pain and claimed doctors only told her days later that her platelet count had dropped to a dangerously low level.

Fighting back tears, she accused the system of failing to act with urgency while appealing for blood donations.

Later, tragedy struck again.

Thirty-six-year-old Clanesha Adderley was discovered unresponsive in her hospital bed by visiting relatives in November 2025. According to family members, she had complained about neglect before her death.

Her daughter later described the haunting moment they pulled back the curtain and found her sitting upright, oxygen mask displaced, appearing as though she had struggled to call for help.

Another case that sparked public debate involved Branyiell Hall, a 28-year-old sickle cell patient recovering from surgery in November 2025. Her family said she was left lying in her own urine overnight, unable to move and without assistance from staff.

Hall survived, but the ordeal raised fresh concerns about the conditions patients may face when families are not present.

Most recently, the death of educator and gymnastics coach Kachara Marshall intensified the conversation. Her family alleges she struggled to receive timely care after being transported first to Doctors Hospital, then to PMH during a medical emergency, and was left in the ambulance for an hour waiting to be admitted, due to a lack of a bed.

Individually, each case tells a heartbreaking story. Together, they form a pattern that many Bahamians say cannot be ignored.

Health officials, including Minister of Health Michael Darville, have said investigations are underway in some cases and have pointed to long-standing challenges within the public healthcare system, including staff shortages and resource constraints.

Muriel Lightbourne, president of the Bahamas Nurses Union, in the past, has pointed to the PMH Accident and Emergency unit being filled beyond capacity, with patients waiting on trolleys for beds.

She also pointed to a worsening staffing crisis, as nurses leave the profession daily due to low pay, forcing those who remain to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

But for many families, the questions go beyond individual investigations.

Why do similar complaints keep surfacing? What safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable patients? And perhaps most critically, in an election year, what will be done to fix it?

For voters preparing to head to the polls, the debate over healthcare is deeply personal, shaped by stories of loved ones who went to the hospital seeking help, and in some cases, never came home.

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

A young Bahamian mother is thankful after a police officer helped her deliver a baby boy in the parking lot of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

“They made sure my baby was straight and I was even better,” a gleaming Brashae Bowe said, thanking Officer LaPetra Sands.

Bowe was in her car when she unexpectedly went into labour on January 18. Sands was alerted and went to assist.

“My thoughts were, “These lives have to be saved.’ So [my thinking] was do what I have to do, possibly to ensure both lives are in good hands,” Sands said.

Bowe, the mother of two other children, was surprised at the unexpected happening.

“It was scary and traumatic because this has never happened. He is premature and was not supposed to come until March.”

Sands in quick action said she processed the scene and found that the baby was already out of the cervix. She then called the Control Room of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, asking how best to assist the mother.

“What do I need to do in a situation like this? I’m not a doctor.”

Sands then ensured the umbilical cord was not looped around the neck, wrapped him, and swiftly carried him inside the hospital to a doctor.

“Thank you. I appreciate you,” Bowe told Sands in appreciation.

Sands then presented her with baby gifts and diapers in preparation for when the baby is released from the hospital.

Ann Marie Davis on Friday, mourned the death of Kenise Darville, the woman who died days after lamenting her treatment as a patient at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

In a short Facebook post, the wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed shock at the woman’s death.

“Jerad, I am so shocked to hear of Kenise’s passing. I didn’t know she was ill…I’m lost for words.”

Kenise, the wife of Jerad who was a former PLP aspirant for the Pinewood Gardens Constituency, died on Thursday after streaming a live video, venting her frustrations with the country’s primary hospital. She complained that doctors did not treat her condition of low blood platelets as an emergency, as she asked for people to donate blood to her cause.

Davis remembered her as “so young and driven.”

“ I pray you find the faith and strength to deal with this great loss. May she rest in peace among the angels,” Davis said.

Jerad held a press conference on Friday after her death, lamenting the hospital’s neglect in the matter. In a social media post on Saturday, he said “Don’t worry though baby, your cry was heard and the cries of our children shall not be in vain.”

When reporters asked if he plans to take legal action, Jerad responded, “Legal action doesn’t fix the system, right? We have to fix the system for people.”

Kenise leaves behind three boys.

Health Minister Michael Darville promised an investigation into the matter.

Just days after decrying her stay at the Princess Margaret Hospital, a woman died from health complications.

Kenise Darville took to social media last week Wednesday in a more than 20-minute live stream video where she condemned PMH for its quality of healthcare.

The video went viral and blood donations were made to get her back to good health. She was said to be doing well since Tuesday when her husband Jerad posted to social media, “Because of your support we now have the best doctors tending to her. She is in special care and has improved tremendously in her spirits.”

Kenise’s passionate video showed her with tears streaming down her cheeks as she cried, “It [inadequate care] needs to stop. They [hospital staff members] are reckless, nonchalant, no empathy.”

Though details are limited as to the sickness she suffered and how she died, Kenise said she suffered from back pain which prompted her to check into the hospital at 3 am on January 2^nd. Showing blood bruises on her hands, she complained that her blood count was low which doctors confirmed was at 20,000. This prevented her blood from clotting.

Kenise anticipated that doctors would order more platelets as promised but said they later returned on the eleventh suggesting that she seek blood donation from family and friends. At this time, her blood count was at seven thousand.

“These people doing a whole bunch of foolishness,” she said angrily. No hospital is supposed to run like this. PMH needs to be exposed.”

Kenise said had she known earlier, she could have asked family for blood donations a lot sooner.

“They didn’t see the urgency in that. They sit by and let all these days pass. No doctor came to see me on Friday. The weekend is hell. It’s worst on holidays.”

She was soon prompted to stop the ranting and recording by a nurse who stopped by her room where she lay in isolation.

“Miss, at this point, some people just have to go down for a cause and this a course I’m ready to go down for,” she said.

“When will you’ll start caring for people inside this hospital?” she asked the nurse.

The mother of three boys who was also the owner of a creative shop said her mother died weeks earlier and was buried three days prior to her admittance to the hospital.

And though she knew the bad experiences at the medical center, she had no medical insurance to receive private care at Doctor’s Hospital.

“No hospital suppose to run like this. PMH needs to be exposed.

“They [doctors] don’t read your notes and ask what you in here for. It’s ridiculous.

“This entire system just needs to change.”

Veteran journalist and new host of Beyond the Headlines Shenique Miller is accusing the country’s premier health facility of negligence following the death of her sister.

Miller took to social media to blame Princess Margaret Hospital for “poor care” and the “lackluster manner” in which it administered care to Swanson Miller Bridgewater.

Here’s what Miller says happened

On Sunday

• Bridgewater visited PMH late that afternoon, with shortness of breath and weakness.
• She was held in the Accident and Emergency Department where she was given water to drink.

On Monday

• She was given drips since she felt weak and dehydrated.
• A family friend, also an employee at the hospital gave her a cup of water and tea.
• Bridgewater was soon discharged by a nurse.
• She called Miller for assistance, concerned that she was still not feeling well with difficulty breathing.
• Miller called a senior official for help in the matter.
• Bridgewater was still discharged by that night and had difficulty getting from the car to the house.
• The hiplok used for the drip was removed from her arm.

On Tuesday

• She continued to breathe laboriously.
• She became painful.

On Wednesday

• Bridgewater died.

PMH has not responded to the accusations made by Miller.

Doctors are pushing Bahamians to vaccinate as the country’s main hospital is strained. There are no more beds at Princess Margaret Hospital for COVID-19 patients and external coolers are being used to store bodies.

Reporters took a tour of the hospital on Tuesday and saw firsthand the overwhelming demand on the institution as patients crammed every accessible space.

A passionate Dr Raquell Davis-Hall, Consultant in the Accident and Emergency Department minced no words in describing the dire situation.

“We pass the breaking point.”

She said the A&E Department is the only place that can be used for non-COVID patients waiting to be seen by a physician.

“A&E has been stretched out since.

“We are tired.”

Davis-Hall said since her time at PMH, these times have been the worst as patients are dying quicker. This has led her to believe that the Delta variant may be in the country, although this has not been officially verified.

Health officials are awaiting results sent to a lab overseas to determine if the Delta variant is in the country.

“Patients come in at 12 am. They are breathing. In the next two hours, those persons are dead.

“This Delta variant, we have no empirical evidence that it is in the country. But we know it’s here. And this is the worse it’s ever been. From the whole time of the pandemic, since March 2020, people are dying. Young people are dying.

“People pull up at the Critical Care Block, not breathing.”

Davis said the institution has no space for patients sent from the Family Islands.

Reporters were taken outside where COVID-19 patients were also housed in tents donated by the Samaritan Purse.

Nursing Officer Prescola Rolle said all of the tents were full to capacity.

The medical tents can only hold 35 people. Presently 34 COVID-19 patients occupy the tents and only one more bed is available.