Denial of health care and unprofessional conduct at public health facility

Dear Editor,

I write to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the treatment my son received at the Arima Health Centre on the evening of April 7th.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., my son sought medical attention after experiencing severe pain in his neck, shoulders, and head. Upon arrival, he was triaged and issued a number, indicating that he had been formally entered into the system to be seen by a doctor.

While waiting, he showed the attending nurses the medication he had been taking; a prescribed anti-inflammatory drug called Ansaid. Disturbingly, instead of receiving professional guidance, he was subjected to ridicule, with nursing staff making inappropriate remarks suggesting that the medication was Viagra. Interestingly, the two female nurses appeared to have never heard of a drug called Ansaid.

After waiting for over two hours in significant pain, my son remained the last patient in the waiting area. At approximately 9:59 p.m., after several patients were called in ahead of him, he was informed that doctors do not see patients after 10:00 p.m.

He was told to leave and return at 5:00 a.m. the following day or alternatively go to the Accident and Emergency department, where he would be required to restart the entire intake process.

This situation raises serious concerns, particularly in a public health care institution that is maintained by tax-payers. My son had already been triaged and was awaiting care. He did not arrive for treatment after hour, he was a patient who had been waiting patiently for treatment for over two hours.

To turn him away without examination, particularly while he was in visible pain, reflects a troubling lapse in the duty of care owed by public healthcare providers. 

Healthcare professionals are entrusted with the responsibility to treat patients with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. The conduct displayed, not only in denying care, but also in mocking a patient’s medication, falls well below acceptable standards. 

While operational constraints may exist, they should never result in patients being abandoned without appropriate medical attention or guidance. 

This incident highlights a broader issue within our public healthcare system, one where patients can be left feeling neglected, disrespected, and uncertain about where to turn in times of need. 

I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and to ensure that policies and staff conduct is aligned with the fundamental principles of patient care. 

No individual seeking medical attention, especially in pain, should be treated in this manner. Citizens deserves much better than this 

Lyndon De Gannes 

Arima