Last Sunday, my mother was not feeling well. She did not want to wake me or bother me so she quietly left the house and struggled to get to the doctor’s office which was about a block away from where we live.
I only found out about it when I woke up and she told me. She was also upset and told me what had happened at the doctor’s office. I was actually not surprised because it was a Sunday and the doctor on duty, I have always had issues with thus why even if I was bleeding or dying on a Sunday, I would wait till Monday before heading to see the doctor.
I won’t tell the story twice as the letter below which I had sent to the doctor’s office with the Ministry of Health and Singapore Medical Board on carbon copy (cc) will tell you what had happened.
But I would like to hear from you. Was I over reacting? What would you have done if that happened to your mother?
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Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing in to make a complaint about Dr Susanna Wong from Heartland Health at New Upper Changi Road.
On the 6th of March, my 65 year old mother woke up early in the morning to head to the clinic to see the doctor as she had been ill all night, diarrhea and throwing up. She did not want to wake me so she went alone.
Finally, later in the morning, my mother told me she had seen Dr Susanna and that she was diagnosed with food poisoning. My mom said she had asked Dr Susanna what she could drink as she could not hold any solids down. When asked if she could drink Barley, Dr Wong proceeded to say she should not as she has diabetes. My mother then asks, "So what can I drink?" The reply from Dr Susanna Wong was shocking.
Dr Susanna Wong, in a very hasty and stern manner replied, "I don't know!"
That upset my mother lots and even more so, it had upset me. A patient goes to a doctor for a cure and if a doctor cannot tell you what you can drink to replace the nutrients you have lost after the numerous times you have thrown up and such, then why do we even go to a doctor?
She could not have told my mother that she could have clear broth, or any sort of drink that replaces electrolytes?
Now, anyone deserves a chance but Dr Susanna Wong has previously, in the past, at least twice, been very arrogant and rude and does not show any concern, compassion or empathy. She is so bad that no matter how ill I am on a Sunday, knowing she is on duty, I will wait until Monday before I head to the doctor. Yes, that is how bad she is.
To continue with what happened that Sunday, 6th of March, my husband and I then walked over to the clinic to clarify this with her. We step into the room and instead of stopping what she was doing to attend to us, she keeps typing away and sternly asks for us to sit. When we refused, she continued to say, "why don't one of you sit?"
I am no expert but I have studied peoples' behaviours over the years in my line of work, and that sort of behaviour, tone of voice and attitude only proves to me that Dr Wong is somewhat a 'bully' and likes to be in control.
When my husband and I refused to sit, she finally stopped what she was doing and listened to what I had to say. At first she denied, and I went on to tell her that my mother does not lie and in fact has no reason to lie. I told her this isn't the first time I've had issues with her attitude but the previous two times I let it go because it was me. However, now, it is my mother she was doing this to and I will not take this lightly.
When she realized what I was saying, she finally stood up and apologized and asked if she could apologize to my mother. I said no. The damage has already been done and I am reporting this matter.
Even after I told her I do not want an apology, she ignored my wishes and proceeded to call me at least 4 times and called my mother about 6 times while she was trying to rest. That was uncalled for.
I would appreciate it if you could seriously look into this matter because a doctor cannot be uncompassionate like Dr Wong. A doctor should be able to answer their patients' questions.
Looking forward to your favourable response.
Many thanks.
CC: Ministry of Health
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