Management of Gynescope Specialist Hospital has addressed public concerns over the death of Mrs. Akudo Lovelyn John, who tragically passed
away hours after giving birth at the facility. In a statement issued on Friday, the hospital described circulating reports as “misleading, incomplete, and inaccurate,” while extending heartfelt condolences to the family.
The hospital insisted that Mrs. John was cared for by qualified medical professionals who acted “promptly, responsibly, and in strict accordance with established medical standards.” It stated that every reasonable medical intervention was employed to save her life, including voluntary blood donations from members of the hospital’s staff.
“These efforts were extraordinary measures taken in the hope of preserving Mrs. John’s life,” the statement said, emphasizing that some circulating narratives fail to present a fair and accurate account of events. The hospital warned that misleading reports could cause undue distress to the grieving family and unjustly tarnish the reputation of diligent medical staff.
The hospital’s initial silence, it explained, was out of respect for the deceased and her family, but the ongoing dissemination of inaccurate accounts prompted the need for public clarification.
The statement comes days after Mr. Justice John, husband of the deceased, held a press conference with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, accusing the hospital of medical negligence and emergency mismanagement. He alleged that his wife suffered continuous bleeding and severe pain after a spontaneous vaginal delivery on December 3, 2025, and that no urgent referral was made despite a 15-hour window before her death.
Mr. John further claimed that the hospital’s emergency response was chaotic, including an incident where his wife fell off a stretcher and that the ambulance was not fully functional. He also noted a discrepancy between the hospital-issued death certificate citing cardiac arrest and an autopsy by Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), which confirmed haemorrhagic shock as the cause of death.
In its response, Gynescope Specialist Hospital reaffirmed its commitment to ethical medical practice, patient-centered care, and full cooperation with regulatory authorities, including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government.
The NBA Lagos Branch has called for a thorough investigation, insisting that accountability and patient safety must be upheld. A coroner’s inquest has also been initiated to examine the circumstances of Mrs. John’s death.
The hospital urged the public and media to report responsibly and with empathy, stating: “Once again, our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this profoundly difficult time. We share in their sorrow as they mourn the loss of a wife, a mother, and a loved one.”
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