I AM the widow of the patient mentioned in last Friday's report
('Patient at NUH for brain scan falls to his death').
I would like to set the record right concerning the insensitive
and irresponsible reference in the report that my husband 'had a
history of mental illness'.
I wish to categorically refute any claim that my husband had a
history of mental illness. Throughout his life, he had never been
referred to, consulted or confined to any mental institution.
At a time of deep grief, my family had to endure added injury by
having to explain to well-wishers that my husband never had a
period of mental illness before or after he was admitted to the
National University Hospital (NUH) voluntarily for a medical
examination recently.
Given the report's prominence, I am extremely disturbed by the
impact of this callous statement on the future image of my
husband's family members, especially his children.
The Straits Times owes my husband and his family at least a
prominent apology.
On the day my husband died, my family and I were told by NUH
that he walked out of the room midway during a brain scan and threw
himself out of the window.
Despite our disbelief and protest, no explanation or details
were offered.
We were also discouraged from visiting the site where my husband
reportedly fell. Reluctantly, we left the hospital with many
doubts.
Imagine the shock and agony when my family read details of my
husband's death in the newspaper two days later.
It is humiliating that his immediate family learnt these details
not from his caregivers at NUH but from the newspaper, along with
complete strangers who read the news the same day.
NUH could have been completely honest and forthcoming with us
from the onset. NUH owes my husband and his family an apology.
Lastly, regardless of what was going through my husband's mind
before his death, the report in the papers exposed a glaring lapse
in procedures on patient security at NUH.
The actual circumstances of how and why my husband died will
come to light at the Coroner's hearing. He should not have died in
vain. The Ministry of Health should ensure that such an incident
never happens again.
Chua Lay Tin (Madam)
Editor's note
OUR report, which said The Straits Times understands that Mr
David Low had a history of mental illness, was based on two
sources. The reporter had tried to interview Mr Low's family, but
they declined. We note what Madam Chua Lay Tin and the hospital now
say, and apologise for the inaccuracy in the report which has added
to the family's grief.