University Hospital of the West Indies ordered to pay millions in negligence case

Jamaica's University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay more than US$8 million in damages after a civil negligence suit found the hospital had fallen below the standard of care and breached its duty to a 16‑year‑old girl who died six days after admission in March 2018. The judgment awarded J$1,687,380 for pain and suffering, J$344,127 for loss of life, J$6 million for lost earnings, J$975,573 for special damages and US$8,000 for the expert report, with interest applied.

In response, UHWI issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and reaffirming its commitment to transparency, patient safety and continuous improvement. The hospital highlighted recent investments in clinical governance, digital transformation and staff development, and announced dedicated customer‑care channels for feedback and complaints. The case underscores ongoing concerns about medical quality and accountability in Jamaica's public health system.