Dr. Nigel Murray. I would like to address the recent media reports regarding the care that was provided to a senior citizen at the Delta Hospital. I understand this issue has caused a concern in the general community, as well as within our health authority.
Our priority, at all times, is the health and safety of our patients.
People come to our emergency departments at all times of the day and night. To ensure the needs of our patients are met, our doctors and nurses use their professional clinical judgment to determine when it is most appropriate to admit people, or discharge them home.
Hospital emergency departments are busy and potentially dangerous places, particularly for the frail or elderly, who are at greater risk of falls or infection. It is especially critical for the health of these patients that we discharge them home to their families, or caregivers, as soon as they are medically cleared to do so. When the decision is made to discharge a patient, this process is taken very seriously, and appropriate plans are made to support each person’s individual needs.
Our patients’ personal information and specifics around their visits to our hospitals is private information. However, as president and CEO of Fraser Health, it is important for me to fully understand the facts surrounding any issue we face.
I have personally reviewed the circumstances of this particular case and can confirm appropriate clinical decisions were made. However, we also recognize that the care experience was not a positive one for this individual, and we have apologized for this. This issue serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication between health care providers, patients, families, and caregivers.
All of us at Fraser Health are dedicated to acting in the best interests of our patients. Our frontline staff work hard every day to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of our patients and visitors. We value your trust and are committed to continuing to deliver the high-quality health care.
Dr. Nigel Murray is the president and CEO for Fraser Health
Unbelievable. The way that woman was treated was appalling. Everybody sees that. Yet Dr Murray and Fraser Health continue to defend the indefensible and by implication tell us to expect more of the same. That will NOT boost the already low level of confidence we have in FHA.