NO WHEELCHAIR FOR PATIENT
KUALA LUMPUR: A patient seeking emergency treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) was shocked when she was not provided with a wheelchair despite her leg injury.
“I injured my leg in an accident, so I could barely walk. When I reached the emergency room at HKL, I was told by the nurse that I have to walk as there was no wheelchair available,” said the patient, who wanted to be known only as Jaya.
She said she was lucky a friend helped her walk to seek treatment.
“How can a hospital not have enough wheelchairs for patients?
“What if a patient could not walk?” she asked.
Jaya has since urged the HKL management to give an explanation.
ACTIONLINE:
Hospital Kuala Lumpur director Datuk Dr Zaininah Mohd Zain apologised for the incident.
“It was peak hour. So, all wheelchairs were being used.”
Dr Zaininah said she was glad that the patient had received treatment.
“We will improve our service and make sure there are enough wheelchairs.
“We will also offer other methods of assistance.
“Although there is a limit to the number of wheelchairs we can provide, our policy ensures that first aid in terms of bandaging, immobilising and splinting of the patient’s injured limb shall be expedited immediately by our frontline triage staff.”