Letter of the Day | Afraid to go to the hospital

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Recently, I was faced with a serious dilemma, I woke up to a blood pressure reading of 218/118. Although the reading gradually declined throughout the day, it never left the danger zone. Later, it had risen again to 198/102.

I am fully aware that I need medical attention and should go to hospital. My nearest medical facility is the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.

Sadly, the prospect of going to the hospital frightens me almost as much as my dangerously elevated blood pressure. The numerous horror stories and reports coming from our public hospitals, particularly St Ann’s Bay Hospital, are deeply concerning. Patients should not have to choose between risking their health at home and fearing the treatment they may receive when seeking care.

No one should be reluctant to seek urgent medical attention because of a lack of confidence in the healthcare system. When people fear the very institutions established to care for them, it points to a serious problem that requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.

I know that the foregoing has been expressed in different mediums before. However, I sincerely hope that those responsible for managing our healthcare system will listen to the concerns of patients and take meaningful steps to restore public trust and confidence.

MARJORIE GRANT

St Ann