Dear Editor,

I think that in this day and age persons are supposed to receive the best quality care they deserve whenever they visit the hospital.

On Friday, December 21, 2012, I, along with some of my family members, visited the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas as one of us had a very serious complaint that needed immediate attention — a matter of life and death. It took over five hours to receive attention, and while waiting in the accident and emergency room for the sole doctor who was working that day to arrive, other patients were there who needed to be tended to immediately. While all of that was taking place, the nurses were busy discussing their private lives aloud. When the nurses’ attention was called to the situation, one boldly replied “Wi short staff and there’s nothing wi can do” — which I think was a rather dippy response.

After she was told that the hospital needs to do better, she retorted “Wi all know dat”, with arms folded. At that point, I became increasingly exasperated. If that was not outstandingly bad enough, another nurse walked away leaving an old man sitting in the sun by the door; obviously falling out of the wheelchair. Her only concern was ” Weh di family memba deh?”. So, I guess that if there’s no family around to assist, dawg nyam yuh suppa!

I am not trying to tarnish the reputation of the hospital, but these and other types of malpractices at the hospital are not peculiar.

Something needs to be done — and urgently too — as the idea of one doctor to a ‘million’ patients is egregious.

Until then, I guess I will never go there to save my life, or I will have to continue praying for God’s intervention.

Sobrena D Anderson

Prospect, St Thomas

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