Empathy missing

On the 14th September 2021 at approximately 17h30 my 97-year-old mother was rushed by ambulance to the Entabeni Hospital after suffering two suspected strokes. My sister accompanied her and had nothing but praise for the ambulance staff as well as the emergency staff that attended to her on arrival as they were caring, considerate and friendly.

However apparently when the shift changed so did the attitude with the night staff being downright rude, abrupt and seemingly uncaring.

I drove to the hospital from the South Coast and arrived at approximately 19h00 to find out how my mother doing and did not find the staff on duty very helpful in providing answers to my mother’s condition.

I was eventually informed that the ambulance had actually taken my mother to the wrong hospital and unless I paid (an astronomical fee) they could do nothing further and I would have to personally move her to a state hospital.

Due to her condition I refused to take on the responsibility and insisted that they made the necessary arrangements for her to be moved and I would not leave until this was done.

It was the early hours of the morning before an ambulance eventually arrived to transfer my mother to King George State Hospital.

I was firstly horrified that after confirming my mother’s medical aid status (from my sister) that she was taken to the wrong hospital. Secondly that the emergency doctor and administrator on duty had the audacity to suggest that she was in the wrong hospital it would be my responsibility to move her to a state hospital. I could not believe that that people who are there to help preserve life could act as callous and heartlessly as the did on the night of the 14th and into the early hours of the 15th. Sorry Entabeni Hospital staff on duty that night but you let the side down badly.