By Laurina B. Lormia
The St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital’s administration is still tight-lipped over an allegation of an accidential medical service that might ruin its reputation if not handled with care.
A 21-year-old man, Isaiah Benedict Williams, a graduate of St. Edward Catholic High School, has reportedly died following what his mother termed a wrong surgical injection given him at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, January 7, the deceased’s mother, identified only as Veronica, recounting the devastating incident revealed that her son had gone to the hospital for a hydrocele operation but was allegedly given an incorrect injection during the surgery, leading to his untimely death.
According to Veronica, her son initially complained of occasional back pain before discovering a lump under his stomach, near his thighs and private area. Concerned about his condition, she sought medical advice.
“Using my medical insurance, we first went to the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Hospital for a check-up,” Veronica explained. At JFK, doctors diagnosed Isaiah with hydrocele, a condition requiring surgical intervention. After a long day at JFK, she decided to transfer her son to St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, which was also covered by her insurance and known for its reputable services.
“On December 23, we went to St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, where we were referred to Dr. Tarley. My son underwent lab tests, which confirmed the hydrocele diagnosis. I inquired about alternative treatments, but Dr. Tarley assured me surgery was the only option,” Veronica recounted.
Isaiah, who had recently graduated from high school, had plans to pursue further studies in Rwanda. However, due to the surgery, the family postponed his trip to the second week of January, even after paying school fees and fulfilling all other requirements.
The surgery, initially scheduled for late December, faced repeated delays. After several failed attempts to meet the doctor, the procedure was finally set for January 2, 2025.
“On the day of the surgery, Dr. Tarley explained the risks and asked me to sign a consent form. I did, trusting the hospital,” she said.
During the procedure, Veronica was informed of an “accident.” Filled with hope and faith, she called family members and a pastor to pray for her son. However, later that evening, she received the devastating news of his death.
“My heart refused to believe he was gone. I watched as a nurse placed cotton in his nose and ears, but I still held onto hope. Eventually, I was told my only child had died,” Veronica tearfully recounted.
Demanding accountability, Veronica expressed her anguish: “I need justice for my son. I will never forgive the Catholic Hospital. God will punish them for what they have done. If I had known, I would never have taken my child there.”
This heartbreaking incident has sparked widespread concern, with calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Isaiah’s death.