SINGAPORE — Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Wednesday (Jan 10) apologized on social media and clarified why an elderly patient admitted at its premises was left with severe bruises on the hands.
The post was made in response to a post by Facebook user Teri T. Tan, who shared an image of her late father’s bruised hand on January 8.
She said she first discovered that her father had numerous needle holes on his left hand, which appeared to be bruised and swollen, on November 23 last year, when he was staying at SGH. She said in her post that this meant SGH staff “kept inserting and withdrawing needles into different parts of her father’s hand as if trying to figure out which was the right spot” to take a blood sample. I wrote that it was because of this.
In response to this post, Associate Professor Lu Qian Ming, Head of SGH’s Department of Medicine, said, “Older patients and patients taking certain medications often have weaker skin and narrower veins.” This makes drawing blood difficult and may require several attempts, even though staff are competent to perform the procedure, which can result in bruising.
“We regret that the family’s request to speak to a senior doctor was not properly communicated. We would like to assure you that we have kept you updated on how things are going throughout the entire period. Stay with us.”
Daughter’s testimony reveals concerns about care for young residents at SGH
The Facebook user said that on December 2 last year, she saw bruises and swelling on her father’s right hand and was told by a staff nurse that it was the resident’s fault.
She asked to speak to the doctor and was told that the doctor was on his rounds and would meet with her later. But after waiting about 40 minutes, I was told that since it was Saturday, the doctor had already left the hospital.
Her father passed away on December 10, and the hospital experience left a bitter taste in Tan’s mouth. “We admitted my father there in good faith, but it turned out that the doctors were all incompetent junior trainees and were using him as a guinea pig for training and experiments,” she said. said, adding that he was seeking a meeting with a senior doctor. The doctor didn’t listen.
SGH responds to Facebook post
SGH confirmed that he was already off-duty and had been discharged from the hospital when the request for medical attention was received on December 2nd. However, the doctor’s subsequent attempts to call Mr Tan were unsuccessful, and he then spoke to the patient’s wife to “explain the bruises on the patient’s hand, which had worried her family”.
“We respect the patients who entrust us with their care. We are grateful that the patient’s wife understood and accepted our explanation and discomfort,” the hospital responded. I did.
He also apologized for not being able to “properly communicate” the family’s request for a meeting with a senior doctor.
The hospital has privately contacted the family regarding this matter.
Do you have any story tips? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.
You can also follow Facebook, Instagram, tick tock and twitter.Also check out Southeast Asia, foodand game YouTube channel.