January 6, 2015
1774
An "unfortunate situation as a result of miscommunication" has prompted a proposal to implement discharge policies in the emergency departments at all four hospitals in the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, including Kincardine Walkerton, Chesley and Durham.
Dec. 5, Helen Bullen of Kincardine was in Walkerton to attend an event with her friends, when she took ill and was taken to Walkerton hospital. She was treated quickly and had several tests. She and her friend were told by the doctor that he was keeping her overnight for observation, so her friend left.
At midnight, Bullen was told more blood work would be done at 2 a.m. to ensure she had not suffered a heart attack, and if the test was okay, she would be discharged. At 2:30 a.m., the results were fine and she was sent home in a cab, without her coat, wrapped in a blanket.
"At no time did anyone ask me if I had money to pay for the cab, if I had stairs to climb at home or if I would be okay," said Bullen. "This is totally unacceptable treatment. Fortunately, I had my wits about me and I could pay for the cab ($75 plus tip) but I would hate to think that this could happen to someone less fortunate."
Dec. 18, Paul Rosebush, health centre president and chief executive officer, met with Bullen and her friend to discuss her experience.
In a press release, Rosebush said, "The events that unfolded in this unfortunate situation were a result of miscommunication regarding the time of release for this patient, and we recognize that it was very stressful for the patient, and the friends and family members who were involved.
"We have reviewed this situation in detail with our staff, and have met with the patient to discuss her experience and review her concerns one-on-one. We are also reviewing discharge policies for implementation in our emergency departments.
"Although in this case, the release of the patient from the emergency department was not a positive experience, it is standard practice for patients to be released at any time of day if they are cleared by the physician, as they are not admitted patients of the hospital.
"We sincerely value the feedback of our patients and visitors and use it, wherever possible, as opportunities for improvement."
Bullen said she was pleased that Rosebush agreed to meet with her and her friend. "He was really nice and accommodating. He assured us that he had taken the matter to various meetings and would take it to the board meeting in January."
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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