- DISPARITIES IN CARE AT MILTON CATO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Dear Mr Cuthbert Knights,
I am writing to express my deep disappointment with the treatment received at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. One of the most concerning issues is the lack of urgency displayed during life-threatening emergencies, which I have personally experienced. Patients in critical condition have not received timely and appropriate care, leading to devastating outcomes. Additionally, there have been instances of rude and disrespectful behaviour from personnel, including head professionals, further exacerbating the already stressful experience of seeking medical assistance.
My harrowing experience began upon my arrival at the hospital in Bequia. The nurses swiftly assessed my condition and relayed it to the on-call doctor, who determined that an in-person examination was necessary. As I grappled with excruciating pain and struggled to breathe, I felt as though I was teetering on the edge of mortality, already apologizing to my husband and parents for the possibility of leaving them behind.
Despite assurances that the doctor resided a mere 15 minutes away, a staggering 45 minutes elapsed before his arrival. He seemed more focused on parking his car than attending to my urgent medical needs. When he finally commenced the examination, I was unable to lie down due to the intensity of my agony, compelling him to conduct the assessment with me seated upright.
To my disbelief, his diagnosis was “gas,” and he prescribed medication accordingly. Stunned by the absurdity between the severity of my symptoms and his diagnosis, I dared to inquire if such excruciating pain aligned with a mere case of excess gas and whether alternative avenues for diagnosis existed. Astoundingly, he turned to me and asked for my suggestions, prompting a reminder that I lacked a medical degree.
It was the vigilant nurses who eventually prodded him into action, urging him to arrange for the Coast Guard to transport me to St. Vincent for further medical attention. Their advocacy was pivotal in ensuring that my urgent situation received the attention it demanded.
The ordeal persisted beyond the cruise ship berth. Despite the urgency of my situation – later diagnosed as a ruptured fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy – I endured a distressing wait of up to an hour for the ambulance to arrive. The agonizing delay extended at the Accident and Emergency department, where an additional four hours passed before medical attention was finally rendered. I must acknowledge the doctor’s challenging circumstances that night, as the department
was inundated with patients, stretching resources and personnel thin. While the severity of my condition remained undisclosed, this distressing experience highlights the pressing necessity for enhanced emergency response and efficiency within our healthcare system.
Eventually, the doctor arrived. Despite the overwhelming workload, she exhibited remarkable patience and professionalism, conducting the examination with me seated upright. Following an ultrasound, her suspicions were confirmed: fluid was present in my abdomen. It was at this moment that the gravity of the life-threatening situation became real. Swiftly, I was prepared for surgery, which, remarkably, lasted a mere 15 minutes and was successful.
But wait, there’s more! I’ve often quipped with my husband that if I ever had to be taken to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, just let me go. Fortunately, he didn’t heed such jests. Or was it?
Following surgery, I was transferred to the Maternity B Ward, positioned within sight of the nurses’ station for close monitoring and recovery. Grateful for my survival and the presence of my family, my joy was tempered by the hospital’s strict visiting hours policy. While I appreciate the rationale behind such regulations, I couldn’t fathom why my spouse couldn’t remain by my side, particularly during doctors’ rounds when intricate medical details were being discussed, all while I grappled with the effects of morphine.
My husband and I, both Vincentians residing overseas, found it crucial to obtain my medical records for insurance purposes and to share them with our family doctor. These records were requested on the day of my surgery, yet we encountered reluctance, obstruction, and attitude, even from the head of the department overseeing my care. A particular doctor was tasked with covertly monitoring me and reporting back to the head of the department. This became apparent only on my third day in the hospital when I realized who were the doctors. Furthermore, the reports portrayed me as uncooperative simply because I dared to ask questions about my healthcare. There was a conspicuous lack of effort to keep me, and my loved ones informed about my condition, medical procedures, and processes. If not for my husband’s familiarity with some of the doctors and the professionalism of some of them involved, my loved ones would have remained in the dark. Remember, no one other than the patient was permitted during doctor’s rounds.
It appears that receiving substandard care at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is reserved exclusively for individuals from Bequia. When my mother-in-law had to resort to requesting my medical records from the same head of the department, she was met with the same resistance until she revealed that I am also a Canadian citizen. Their response was, “…so why didn’t you mention that earlier?” I must admit, I regret that this information was not disclosed sooner because the doctors’ treatment and attitude underwent an abrupt change. Unfortunately, this revelation came on the day before my discharge, by which time the damage had already been done.
There are many other instances of neglect and disrespect that I can mention. However, there are also numerous examples of extreme compassion and care exhibited by some of the healthcare professionals who sought to ensure my safe recovery and to whom I will be forever grateful.
For decades, there has been a prevailing sense of helplessness among the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who have sought care and experienced neglect or deficiencies in medical care. While there have been improvements in certain areas of the hospital, there are still significant shortcomings that need urgent attention.
As a concerned native who has experienced this treatment firsthand, I implore the Ministry of Health, and the hospital’s administration to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues. Patients’ lives depend on the timely and compassionate care they receive, and our healthcare system must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect, particularly in such sensitive areas as maternity care.
Yours sincerely
Kayla Williams
