MAN COLLAPSED AFTER HOSPITAL SENT HIM AWAY TO GP
A MAN sought treatment for chest pains in hospital a short time before collapsing in Bray. The man in his mid-50s made his way by bus to St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, where he was told he would not be seen without a GP referral letter.
He lost consciousness on his way to a Bray doctor’s surgery. He is now in stable condition following surgery.
A MAN who collapsed from a heart attack on the main street in Bray had already sought treatment in Loughlinstown and not been admitted.
The local gentleman, who is now in a stable condition, got the bus from Bray to St Columcille’s hospital in Loughlinstown last Wednesday.
The man, who is in his mid 50s, had suffered a previous heart attack and knew the symptoms. He was suffering from severe chest pains.
Deputy John Brady, who has been dealing with members of the man’s family, said that the man was told he would need a GP referral letter.
He struggled to make his way back across the N11 on the pedestrian bridge to get to the bus stop. The man’s family asked that he not be named at this time. He got the bus back to Bray and got off at the Royal Hotel. Making his way towards Carlton Clinic, the man collapsed.
A woman who was passing the scene gave CPR until paramedics arrived. Deputy Brady said that the man has had surgery and is now in a very stable condition. At the time of going to press, the hospital had not responded to the TD’s request.
St Columcille’s said in a statement that they do not comment on individual cases. They said that the emergency department was closed in November 2013. The medical assessment unit assesses patients referred by GP with acute medical conditions such as chest infection, urinary tract infection, collapse and others. It accepts gp referrals and patient transfers from st. Vincent’s university Hospital. It does not accept ‘walk in’ patients.
The IU manages ‘minor injuries’ and governance of the unit is with the emergency department in St Vincent’s University Hospital.