Patients bear brunt of ambulance drivers` action

The Health Division yesterday again listed a number of instances in which patients have been hit by the industrial action being taken by ambulance drivers.

It said that as a direct result of the dispute, patients were suffering delays in their treatment, and experiencing prolonged stays in hospitals.

On Thursday, a foreign patient being treated at St Luke`s Hospital as an in-patient was due to fly back home. Transport was required to transfer him to the airport.

However, due to the ongoing dispute, this was refused, the division said. The hospital`s administration had no option but to make use of the Red Cross Ambulance service against payment.

That day, an 80-year-old patient was admitted to casualty due to a sudden deterioration of health. After the necessary treatment he was discharged. Since his condition improved, there was no need for a nurse to accompany the patient on the journey home, but again the request for transport was refused and the St James Hospital ambulance had to be used against payment.

On the same day, no fewer than 13 requests for an ambulance service, generated by the public needing to be taken to the casualty department, were refused by the ambulance section on the basis of the dispute.

These patients had to make their own way to hospital, the division said.