Ampath's Disgraceful Treatment of a Hospitalised Patient Over Payment

I recently spent time in hospital and was absolutely disgusted by the way Ampath's employees pursued payment from me while I was receiving medical treatment.

Between 02:00 and 04:00 on Tuesday morning, an Ampath employee woke me up to draw blood. I had no issue with the blood tests, but she also brought a card machine and demanded immediate payment. I was told that I could pay *** immediately or receive a bill for *** and lose the discount.

Another employee returned at around 07:00, again insisting on payment. I explained that my wife had my bank card and would arrive at approximately 09:00. Even after she arrived, the employee returned with the card machine and continued demanding payment.

I explained that my money was in a seven-day savings account and that early withdrawals would incur penalties. As I did not know how long I would remain in hospital, I offered to settle the account upon discharge. I was told that payment had to be made before I left hospital and that the employee would otherwise be held personally responsible.

Then, on Wednesday morning, another employee, Simon, arrived to draw blood and again questioned me about payment arrangements.

Let me be absolutely clear: I do not dispute the bill, and I am not refusing to pay. My complaint is about the appalling way payment was pursued.

I was a hospitalised patient, unwell and dealing with the uncer*****y of my medical condition. Yet I was repeatedly confronted about money, including in the early hours of the morning, despite explaining my circumstances and confirming that I was willing to pay.

Is this really how Ampath believes patients should be treated? Must someone lying in a hospital bed repeatedly justify their personal financial arrangements to employees who appear more concerned about immediate payment than basic compassion?

I understand that Ampath is a business and that accounts need to be settled. However, there is a significant difference between professional billing practices and making a vulnerable patient feel pressured and harassed at their bedside.

I find this behaviour utterly disgraceful and completely lacking in sensitivity. Patients should be able to concentrate on their health and recovery without being subjected to repeated demands for immediate payment when they have not refused to pay.

I would like Ampath management to explain whether this is official company policy and whether they consider this treatment acceptable. I also want to know what steps will be taken to ensure that other hospitalised patients are not subjected to the same experience.

This complaint is not about the amount charged. It is about dignity, compassion and the basic respect every patient deserves. Ampath needs to do better.