December 7, 2014
1669
To the Editor:
What passes for "care" at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre - Walkerton hospital? Not too flaming much!
I was at an event last night (Dec. 5) with three companions, when shortly before 8 p.m., one of them passed out. To cut this long saga short, we got her to the above hospital where, initially, she was well-treated.
Tests were done, and she seemed to be rallying, so at 9:30 p.m., I pointed out that I had two more people to collect from the event, and asked what was the plan for the patient. The pleasant doctor in attendance replied that they would keep my friend overnight, and I should check back in the morning because she'd likely be discharged at 9 a.m.
So I called this morning (Dec. 6) and got bounced around different departments because they couldn't find her. They finally told me she was discharged last night!
I couldn't believe it! I pointed out that she had no transport and no coat - what in heaven's name were they thinking? Of course, the person I was speaking to was not the person who was on duty last night so it seemed a bit unfair to give her the rollicking that somebody there deserves, so I have the contact details for the appropriate person and will pursue this with a vengeance.
And the rest of the story? My friend called this morning to fill me in. They did another blood test at 2 a.m. and pronounced her stable and told her she could go home. She pointed out that she is 76 years old, lives alone, has no way of getting from Walkerton to Kincardine, it's freezing outside and she has no coat!
They gave her a flannelette blanket and put her in a taxi! Note: this is not decided by a doctor, there is no doctor consulted about this decision, the doctor I talked to at 9:30 p.m. had said they were going to keep her.
These are "nurses" in the Emergency Department. My friend reports that the taxi driver didn't find this unusual.
We need to shame these uncaring and unprofessional people into giving responsible and effective treatment. Their supervisory staff needs to work on raising their standards - we'd likely get more sensitive treatment at a veterinary clinic.
Wendy Cox
Kincardine
To the Editor:
I live in Kincardine. Dec. 5, I was in Walkerton, a distance of 42 kilometres, with friends for dinner and a performance of the singing Christmas tree at Knox Church.
Before the concert started, I felt very ill and was taken to Walkerton hospital. I was treated very quickly and had several tests immediately.
About 9:30 p.m., the doctor said that he was keeping me overnight for observation. At that time, my friend left to pick up the others and go home. She assured me that someone would be back in the morning to drive me home.
At midnight, a nurse said that they wanted to do more blood work at 2 a.m. to make sure that I had not had a heart attack and that if that test was okay, I would be discharged.
Sure enough a test was done about 2:30 a.m., the results were fine and I, who am in my mid-70s and live alone, was sent home at 3 a.m. in a cab. My coat had not made it into the hospital so I got into the cab wrapped in blanket. At no time did anyone ask me if I had money to pay for the cab, if I had stairs to climb at home or if I would be okay.
This is totally unacceptable treatment. Fortunately, I had my wits about me and I could pay for the cab ($75 plus tip) but I would hate to think that this could happen to someone less fortunate.
Helen Bullen
Kincardine
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