On July 15, I went to Mater Dei Hospital to see a friend. I walked up to reception and provided the receptionist with the full name of the patient, telling him I knew he was being treated in the Brown ward.
The receptionist told me he could not give me the bed and ward number unless I provided him with the patient’s ID card number. I just said thank you and went to look for him in all four wards before I finally found him.
On my way out, I went to Customer Care to complain about the request and they were very understanding. I was told they have orders from the CEO to ask for the ID card number.
I found out later that another three friends had gone to see the patient and had to go back because they did not know his ID card number either.
I hope that whoever came up with this bright idea will revoke it and keep the patients’ and visitors’ best interest at heart.