The Editor, Sir:

On Tuesday February 7, 2002, my father had a stroke. Though he was able to speak and still had his wits about him, he was unable to move the right side of his body. We immediately took him to the Mandeville Public Hospital where he received 'medical' attention. (I put medical in quotes because based on the treatment received, I fail to believe that the person who attended to him received any formal training in the field of medicine.)

Was he kept overnight for observation? No. Was he even admitted? No. He was simply given medicine to lower his blood pressure and sent home a mere three hours after we had taken him there.

second opinion

We were told by the attending physician that we should get an MRI done by the end of the week. No need to rush, as even if it was done that very day, it would not be looked at till the next day or even later. Of course we sought a second opinion, had the MRI done immediately and discovered a blood clot in his brain before it would have become even more serious. He has been admitted to a private hospital where we are confident that he is receiving expert care.

I think the fact that my father was not admitted was a blessing in disguise. He would have probably been neglected and we would be making funeral arrangements rather than plans for his rehabilitation. Shame on you, Mandeville Public Hospital.

I am, etc.,

D. POWELL

gruvygurl60@hotmail.com

Mandeville

Via Go-Jamaica