Teenager Succumbs to Injuries After Alleged Hospital Transfer Delays in Carcar City
A tragic incident has unfolded in Carcar City, Cebu, where a 15-year-old boy, Everett Baring, passed away following what his family claims were critical delays in his medical treatment and e-referral process at the Cebu Provincial Hospital (CPH). According to his sister, Dennielle Ariannah Delica, hospital protocols significantly hindered the timely transfer of the victim to a facility capable of providing urgent specialized care, ultimately contributing to his deteriorating condition.
Accident and Initial Hospital Response
Everett Baring was involved in a serious accident in Valladolid, Carcar City, during the early hours of Friday, January 23, 2026. He was promptly rushed to the emergency room of the Cebu Provincial Hospital, where his family hoped for an immediate referral to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) due to the severity of his injuries. "We took him straight to the emergency room because we assumed he would be referred to Sotto right away," Delica stated in an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu on Monday, January 26.
Decision to Transfer and Protocol Issues
Faced with the urgency of the situation, the family made the decision to seek treatment at Chong Hua Hospital instead, aiming for immediate surgery and a CT scan to assess fractures. "We decided to refer him to Chong Hua so he could be operated on immediately and have a CT scan to determine the fractures in his body," Delica explained. However, the transfer was reportedly delayed because the receiving hospital had not yet confirmed the e-referral. Delica emphasized that this protocol prevented doctors from releasing her brother promptly. "Due to their protocol, the receiving hospital won't accept a referral until it's confirmed," she added, noting that hospital staff required them to sign a waiver if they insisted on moving the patient.
Criticism of Emergency Response and Equipment Shortages
In a Facebook post, Delica criticized the emergency response at CPH, alleging that her brother's wounds were not properly cleaned and that medical staff resorted to using a manual pump due to a lack of equipment. As Baring waited for the e-referral confirmation, his condition worsened significantly. By the time he was finally transferred to Chong Hua Hospital at 10 a.m., he was in critical condition. He was later moved to VSMMC, where doctors discovered severe injuries, including damage to neck veins, broken ribs, and brain bleeding, according to Delica.
Implications and Broader Concerns
This incident raises serious questions about hospital protocols and emergency care efficiency in Carcar City. The family's account highlights potential gaps in the e-referral system and resource availability, which may have impacted the outcome. As investigations likely proceed, this case underscores the need for streamlined medical processes to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring timely access to specialized care for critical patients.
