Poor attention at UWI Hospital
published: Friday | December 20, 2002
THE EDITOR, Sir:
On the 15th of November, 2002 I took my mother, Mrs. Violet Winnifred Allan, to the Cardiac Clinic (Ref. #395385). of the University Hospital. We registered, paying a fee of $600. My mother's appointment was at 8:30 a.m.
We were directed to an area where other patients were waiting. At about 9:00 a.m. my mother collapsed. I notified the nurse, who told me to take her to Casualty. A porter took my mother to the area and we were directed to the Accident and Emergency Section.
My mother was placed in a cubicle and given oxygen. She was seen by Dr. Chambers, who told me he had to refer with another doctor, a Dr. K. Lewis. After waiting for some time, Dr. Lewis came and told me she needed my mother's medical history. I was appalled, as she was on the telephone on a personal call while I was sitting before her waiting to give her this information. I was gravely concerned for my mother, as I knew she had suffered three heart attacks previously. After giving Dr. Lewis the information she needed, I was told to pay some fees for tests that needed to be done. I paid $2,300. Again I waited. I realised my mother had not eaten lunch so I tried to get Dr. Lewis' attention to find out if my mother could eat something. I was dismissed and ignored until finally, about 4:00 p.m. I asked the doctor again and she told me my mother could eat something. I bought some soup and spoon-fed her. Again I waited. At about 6:00 p.m. I wanted to know if my mother would be admitted or released so I could make the necessary arrangement. I realised Dr. Lewis was not on the ward. When I saw her again I was dismissed forthwith. At this point I went for the assistance of Mr. Anthony Hamilton, Director of General Accounting, who I knew. I also telephoned my cousin, Mr. Dennis Anderson, who also works with the hospital. Mr. Hamilton went to the Accident and Emergency Section to speak with Dr. Lewis. My cousin, Mr. Anderson, also came and spoke with Dr. Lewis. My mother was finally released at about 8:00 p.m.
I do hope that some changes will be made regarding the manner in which people are treated at this hospital.
