Coast General Hospital speaks after patient dies by suicide

The Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital has acknowledged that a male patient committed suicide while admitted at the facility, following public interest and speculation surrounding the matter.

In a statement seen by Radio Generation, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, notes the patient in question was a homeless member of the community who was admitted to the facility for the treatment of septic arthritis.

According to the referral facility, the patient was progressing well under medical care and had not yet been discharged.

"The patient had a known history of mental illness, which had been previously noted by both our medical team and local authorities. Throughout his admission, our staff including mental health professionals provided counselling and psychosocial support as part of his care plan," reads the statement.

"Despite the best efforts of our team, the patient sadly made a decision that led to the loss of his life. This deeply saddens us all, especially those who had come to know and care for him during his time in the hospital."

Dr Khandwalla notes that the matter has been formally reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and is currently under investigation.

"We kindly urge the public to respect the dignity of the deceased and allow space for accurate, respectful discourse around mental health and homelessness complex issues that require understanding, support, and community-wide collaboration," said Dr Khandwalla.

Patients at the hospital told the media that the patient hanged himself inside Ward 8 using a nylon rope tied to a metal bar above the hospital bed.