Dec 22, 2006 Straits Times Forum
Patient cared for, kin updated by doctors
I REFER to the letter by Mdm Cheryl Lai Oi Lee, 'A contrasting tale of two hospitals' (ST, Dec 21).
We extend our condolences to Mdm Lai on the death of her mother, Mdm Chew Foo Yong.
We received a letter of complaint from Mdm Lai on Nov 29 regarding similar nursing issues that she raised in the Forum letter.
Our senior nurse manager had apologised for the slight delay in tube feeding and administering medications because the nurse was attending to another patient. She also apologised for the incident of linen shortage. Mdm Lai accepted our apology.
Our records show that Mdm Chew was turned every two hours and bathed daily during her stay at
Mdm Chew was readmitted on Dec 9. The next day, Mdm Lai's sister requested the attending doctor to speak to Mdm Lai about withholding resuscitation in the event of cardiopulmonary collapse.
Our doctor spoke to Mdm Lai on the telephone for about 45 minutes, .................. Withholding resuscitation is a difficult topic to discuss but it was appropriate to bring it up in view of Mdm Chew's dangerously ill condition. I apologise if the interaction was perceived as nonchalant.
During Mdm Chew's first admission our doctors updated her next-of-kin every other day, and, during her second admission, they were updated daily on at least six occasions.
On Dec 12, Mdm Chew's next-of-kin requested to speak to a doctor. Our doctor spoke to the relatives at 10.20am to discuss her medical management, and again at 10.30am to discuss the risks of discharging her and transporting her to another hospital.
We assure Mdm Lai that the medical management of Mdm Chew's condition was appropriate.
If Mdm Lai requires further clarification, she could contact Mrs Grace Segran at Corporate Affairs on 6850-2734.
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