We are deeply sorry to learn about the experience recently shared on social media regarding care in our Emergency Department. No patient or family should feel dismissed or uncertain about the seriousness of their condition.
Steps should have been taken to properly assess and clearly communicate with patients in the Emergency Room that night.
At times, like many hospitals worldwide, we may face challenges with staffing in the Emergency Department. When this happens, our triage process is designed to become even more acute—and those with urgent or life-threatening conditions should be prioritized for care.
We want to reassure our community that we are actively working to strengthen our systems and staffing to minimize the impact on patients and families when these pressures occur. We are also addressing the concerns raised internally.
We remain committed to providing the care and communication our patients and families deserve.
The SLBMC statement was responding to a social media post by an individual who complained that after waiting with an injured child for medical attention for several hours, a nurse made an announcement that the shift had changed and that with one doctor on duty, only dire emergencies will get attention.
The woman said she went to the hospital seeking attention for a head injured which the child sustained and which resulted in a blood shot eve.
She also reported less than satisfactory treatment from the nursing staff.
