Expensive hospital bills
published: Monday | May 23, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THIS IS to advise that I had a mature part-time helper, 82 years old. He became ill, and was admitted to the Spanish Town Hospital on December 4, 2004, and died on the 9th ­ five days later.

Surprisingly, the hospital bill amounted to $52,330. I paid $15,000 and later $11,000, from a relative. Up to now we are unable to get the death certificate. Apparently, the hospital wants the total amount paid before they issue the certificate.

I was glad when the new Opposition Leader mentioned the difficulty poor people were having in meeting hospital bills, because I can attest to that fact, and I hope some relief will be forthcoming soon.

In fact, I am an elderly, retired person, and after undertaking funeral expenses with a little help from The National Insurance Scheme, and paying on that exorbitant bill, I am quite unable to cope any further.

I am, etc.,

SYLVIA LESLIE

Ewarton, St. Catherine.