The KZN Department of Health has responded to a Durban mother who questioned why her daughter was discharged from Wentworth Hospital’s emergency unit with just Panado for her severe pain, reports IOL.
“Shame on you, Wentworth Hospital,” she had posted on Facebook, saying her daughter was writhing in agony outside the facility.
The department said that patient assessments and treatment decisions were based on clinical evaluation and protocols, and that the matter would be reviewed to establish the full facts.
Spokesperson Agiza Hlongwane said if a patient was unhappy with the level of assistance they are receiving, “they don’t have to leave the facility without raising their concern with whoever, with maybe the CEO or the PRO or any of the senior managers, really”.
People were entitled to seek recourse about how they are treated, he added.
“We don't know what the facts were at hand. Generally, clinicians know what to do when a patient presents themselves.”
He said if someone were found to have done something wrong, “then in terms of how the patient was managed, action ought to be taken against that person”.
Medical expert Angelique Coetzee said pain assessment can vary significantly in clinical settings.
“The reason I say that is because what the patient sees as a debilitating pain and what I see might be two worlds apart. Diagnosis depends on multiple factors, including the type of pain, the patient’s age and a proper physical examination.”
She added: “If it’s a young patient and the patient doesn’t have any epigastric pain, you can prescribe a non-inflammatory tablet… But in the public sector, you will normally get Panado.”
She said while basic pain relief is common, patients in severe discomfort should be escalated for further medical review.
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