Removing stitches not an emergency

THE EDITOR: But seriously, are they wearing blinkers or are they blindfolded? Since 1988, as a student at PoSGH, I observed patients sleeping on benches and trolleys and also were placed in the corridors and aisle. In 1989, I also noticed that the same practice occurred at SFGH. It was therefore surprising to hear that both the chairman of the NWRHA and the Minister of Health state that they were unaware of the situation. Or was it not a surprise to hear them make such a statement? But then any statement from the chairman of the NWRHA is no longer surprising. Remember his performance before the Joint Select Committee of Parliament. And the Minister of Health trying to justify the non-payment of income taxes, NIS and Health Surcharge. Now the National Insurance Board is running an advertisement stating the timing of payments to the NIB and possible prosecution if not observed.

Even Dr Fuad Khan, as Minister of Health, stated that he was unaware of the situation at St James Infirmary. And the Prime Minister attends Accident and Emergency Department to remove stitches and to be given a clean bill of health at 5 pm. The removal of stitches is neither an emergency nor an accident. This is either done in the out-patient clinic or health centre. I am aware of many patients who were virtually ‘chased’ out of the A&E Department after requesting the removal of sutures. Does this now mean that the common man can now go to A&E for removal of sutures and other such procedures? And who were the doctors who attended to the Prime Minister at 5 pm? Were they specialists? Are these doctors normally found within the hospital compound during regular hours?

I ask these questions as specialists are normally found in the hospital during normal hours. Also, A&E does not have the specialised staff to state that a person with a pacemaker has a clean bill of health. This is just another of the Prime Ministers PR (public relations) strategies gone haywire. He should not have attended A&E but a Health Centre. His timing was also wrong as he should have attended before 4 pm. Also, he needs to join the Cardiac Clinic to be properly assessed. Similarly, his non-presentation of an Independence Day message sent mixed messages to a population already devastated by crime and a rising cost of living, especially in food prices. Whilst it is known that very few listen to these speeches, the television poll confirmed that no-one really cared if he did make a speech. But then the Chairman of the Statutory Board stated that he was unaware of any raging controversy involving the planned transfer of Marlene Coudray. But seriously, are they blind or do they also need laser eye surgery?

PHILIP AYOUNG-CHEE FRCS
San Fernando