Rude hospital personnel need to be trained

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have a concern that I wish not just for the public to be aware of but, hopefully, the right person(s) so that something can be done. My concern is about the conduct of the doctors at the hospitals, especially Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

On New Year's Day, my mother was rushed to KPH, and was assisted by a porter, which was greatly appreciated.

But with only one patient getting attention, the remaining staff either took their time attending to patients or relaxing. One took a look at my mom, asked her name, proceeded to pick up a newspaper and slowly went from page to page, while my mom twisted in pain.

I began to ask if there wasn't a doc who could give my mom some attention, as we didn't know what was causing the intense pain. I was then told that if I air to my concern, the doctors won't see her and will let their peers know not to as well.

Insulting doctor

Now, she was rushed there last night and a doc was very rude to her.

The last time I checked, they became doctors to help people, not to insult them or decide not to help them because a patient asks why doctors/nurses are just sitting around.

It's as if they're saying, "You have no right when you're attending a public hospital."

One doctor at the Spanish Town Hospital made it clear to me that, "If you haven't collapsed, or are not bleeding profusely, then a doctor won't look at you."

People are being disregarded and disrespected by the very people who took an oath to save lives, but it seems like they're working on commission.

I don't know what else to do but to hope this makes it to the right person(s) and opens the eyes of the public.

- F.R., St Catherine