LUTH Appeals To Public To Refrain From Speculations Over Dr. Hestia Idiodi-Thomas’ Death

The Management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos, has appealed to people to wait for the result of the Coroner’s inquest into the death of one of its consultants, Dr. Hestia Idiodi-Thomas who died last week. (read here). In a statement, the hospital management asked the public  including the media to stop making speculations about the cause of death of the amiable doctor.

The statement said: “On Tuesday, 14th October 2015, Dr (Mrs) Hestia Idiodi-Thomas, a young Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and staff of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was brought to the LUTH Accidents and Emergency Department following injuries sustained in tragic circumstances within her home environment.

“All efforts at resuscitating her failed and she was pronounced dead. The untimely death of this mother of two was a rude shock to her colleagues and the entirety of the LUTH community. “The police were promptly informed and a Coroner’s inquest into the case is almost completed.

“Dr Heista Idiodi-Thomas was beloved by her colleagues, patients and all members of LUTH community who admired her dedication to duty, her gentle ever-smiling mien and humility to all. We shall all miss her.

“While we pray for the repose of her soul, we appeal to all to refrain from any speculations about the cause of death until the coroner’s verdict has been pronounced. “We therefore implore the press and the general public to please respect the memory of this rare gem and leave the family to mourn as they should during this difficult period.”

Earlier on, the Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, LUTH branch, Dr. Emeka Ogbolu, stated he was surprised how people jumped to conclusions concerning the incident.

He said,: “I was appalled at how some people jumped to conclusions that it was homicide without investigating or asking questions. I also had to refrain because it is really painful being that I saw her on Tuesday and therefore it came as a shock. I just came from their home where I went to pay a condolence visit and what I saw was a pained and angry mother. Her mother, after I introduced myself, pleaded that we do not abandon her son-in-law who is a son to her. While weeping she asked why someone will be so insensitive and wicked to her as a mother and conclude that her son-in-law killed her daughter.

“She cursed those that started it because she said they have only added to her pain which is already unbearable. She said she is a principal officer in a university and has some background in psychology and she knows the tell tale signs of domestic violence. She visits often and would not have hesitated to forcefully drag her daughter out of the marriage had that been the case.

“She would have known from her interaction with their children. She said those who started this have stung her where it hurts because she does not joke with her children. She said she broke down when

she saw the newspaper that carried the story. I saw a mother pained. I think it was genuine. I promised her I would pass on her message as much as I can and that is all I have done.”

Source: Vanguard