The Vladimir Ilich Lenin Provincial Hospital in Holguín has denied allegations of a femicide occurring in one of its surgery wards, a claim initially made by the Red Femenina de Cuba.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Last week, the Red Femenina reported that a woman admitted to the hospital had died at the beginning of the month due to a beating from her partner within the hospital's premises. Now, the medical institution denies any crime took place, stating that the autopsy on the victim showed no signs of violence as a possible cause of death.
According to a statement shared on the hospital's Facebook profile, "the patient was a chronic alcoholic admitted to the surgery ward for obstructive jaundice evaluation." The statement added that "she was accompanied at all times by her husband, who had a similar medical history."
Within the first 24 hours, the woman’s condition worsened, and by morning, while her husband was assisting her in the bathroom, she lost consciousness. She was immediately transferred to the central surgical unit and then to the intensive care unit, where she died hours later "due to irreversible shock."
Hospital's Official Response
The hospital acknowledged concerns about a possible violent incident, which prompted them to notify the Police.
"Given the patient’s history and the characteristics of her spouse, and due to the concerns raised about a possible violent act, we informed the Police and Forensic Medicine," the statement read.
The necropsy revealed "no evidence of violence as a possible cause of death," confirming that her death was related to her diagnosed pathology.
Contradictory Accounts
According to the information from the Red Femenina, which the hospital has denied, the deceased woman was identified as Elaine Laguna Figueredo, aged 50.
The events allegedly occurred on June 4th. Witnesses stated that the night before her death, her partner, who appeared intoxicated, had visited her and assaulted her in the bathroom. A patient in the same ward claimed the incident took place in the morning. Witnesses described how the man entered the bathroom and "put her in the shower fully clothed," despite her having an IV line and a drip attached.
While both were in the bathroom, near where nurses and doctors were stationed, slaps and the man's voice urging the woman to get up from the floor were heard. "At no point was the woman's voice heard," the patient added. After about 15 minutes, the alleged assailant left the bathroom and returned with another man, also intoxicated.
Medical staff, upon being informed of the situation, entered the bathroom to find the patient on the floor. She was placed on a stretcher and taken to the operating room, according to sources.
A healthcare professional, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, reported that the victim fell into a coma, required artificial ventilation, and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where she died shortly after.
Witnesses stated that the aggressor was detained by the Police at the hospital.
Key Questions About the Alleged Incident at Lenin Hospital
In light of the conflicting reports and the hospital's denial, here are some important questions and answers to clarify the situation.
What did the Red Femenina de Cuba report about the incident?
The Red Femenina de Cuba reported that a woman died at the beginning of the month after being beaten by her partner in the hospital.
What is the hospital's stance on the alleged femicide?
The hospital denies that a femicide occurred, stating that the autopsy showed no signs of violence and that the death was due to the patient's existing medical condition.
How did the hospital respond to the incident initially?
The hospital notified the Police and Forensic Medicine due to concerns about a possible violent act, given the patient's and her spouse's history.