THE EDITOR, Sir:
I VISITED Jamaica between May and June 2003 and had the opportunity of seeing three of your public services doing their duties, although under tragic circumstances. My mother had a severe stroke at my sister's home in Portmore and she had to be rushed to hospital.
They were trying to get her to the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) but it was peak time travelling. Two policemen came to assist and one told them it would be impossible to get there, so they turned around and got them to Spanish Town Hospital, which would give my mother a better chance of survival.
She went through Accidents and Emergency (A&E) and was admitted to the Female Medical Ward. During her stay, I got an insight into the operation of the ward. It was very difficult to communicate with the staff. The doctors were like prima donnas, the nursing staff never smiled nor were forthcoming with information.
After seeing the treatment our mother was getting, my sister, who is a nurse at KPH, asked for her to be transferred, so that she would be given some hope of survival. We eventually got her to KPH via A&E she was admitted to ward ZB.
From the moment she got to the ward, the atmosphere changed completely. It was a pleasure to watch the doctors and nurses doing their work with such skill and dedication; they always gave you a smile and words of encouragement and always had time to answer your questions.
Although we lost our mum, we could not default the staff in anyway for the treatment she received during her short stay on the ward. I was very privileged to meet and observe most of the hospital staff from matron to the porters doing their jobs not forgetting the lady on the information desk whom I got to know very well during my daily visits.
I think when something tragic happens to you in your life and others were there to help ease the pain the public should be told and not only when bad things happen.
On behalf of all the families of Mrs. Etrianna Roberts, who died June 10, 2003, I would like to thank all involved for their kindness and hard work.
Keep up the good work.
I am, etc.,
ENID KING
United Kingdom
