B Class patients deserves 2nd Class service?
June 14th, 2011 | 
Author: On 05 June 2011, I had numbness and warm feeling on my right leg. I first sought treatment at Raffles Hospital which subsequently referred me to the Singapore General Hospital’s (SGH) A & E since their specialists were off duty. Hence, I went SGH at around 9pm.
As the results of blood clots proved positive, I had to be admitted for further tests like MRI and ultrasound scan for legs since the doctor was not 100% certain what went wrong. My Principal Doctor was BOK CHEK WAI (MCR No: 08450F) and I stayed in Ward No 45.
The next morning, I experienced weakness when I tried moving my left toes and requested to expedite my MRI scan which was scheduled at 4.15pm. However, I was told that the appointments were full. Despite that, the hospital does not see any urgency in my case and my appointment was further delayed to 6.30PM.
I was told that my MRI scan was perfectly fine on 7 June 11. Towards the afternoon, I felt even weaker in lifting up my entire left leg (my right leg numbness and weakness did not improve as well). I called for Dr. Bok and he could still ask me “What are you worrying about?” How can I not worry when my initial condition was not resolved and my other leg seems to suffer the same?
Hence, I requested Dr. Bok to expedite my ultrasound scan scheduled at 5pm but he said that the appointment schedule was not under his control. He even said that I could be discharged after my ultrasound scan report is out, even before diagnosing my condition.
As I was really afraid and depressed, I called my dad who arrived at 1.30pm demanding to see the doctor in charge. No doctors came and surprisingly, in less than 10 minutes, a staff came to wheelchair me for my ultrasound scan which was supposedly scheduled at 5 pm. I was told by the radiology department that the results will be out in half an hour.
At 3pm, I asked to see Dr. Bok for my ultrasound scan report but was attended by another doctor, Dr Chin. As the result was not ready, I asked to be discharged and she agreed and said she would call me up on my results. She even asked me to see a psychiatrist!
This is really humiliating and I was totally appalled by her words.
On the same night, I was admitted to Mount Alvernia Hospital diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (spinal cord inflammation). Treatment was given immediately and I was discharged on 12 June 11.
After all the anxiety and pain that I have gone through for 2 anguishing days at SGH, they failed to diagnose my condition, which eventually resulted my condition to deteriorate in my left leg. If they have treated my condition promptly, I would have been given timely treatment. I would not need to seek treatment from another hospital and incur huge hospital bill if the doctors at SGH could provide the professionalism, respect and compassion it valued itself upon in its mission and core values.
Or was it because I was staying in Class B2 ward and hence I deserved to be treated as a 2nd class citizen since I was told my case was not urgent?
.
Ms Serene X M Cai
Posted in 
Imagine if you are a ‘C’ class patient! You will be treated like a dog!
Nowadays, medical professional are very different! They see $$$$!
You don’t need to look far, Dr Lim Wee Kiak is a good example!
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No lah
pls don’t like that imagine !
All class patients are treated Equally
Maybe you are really overweight and causing you pain in the legs
So who knows?
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Raffles Hospital is one of the best, in fact most private hospital will treat you like king. Just have to pay $$$. You want whatever scan will be very fast arranged. All the patients damn demanding one. My wife there I know.
Don’t expect much from government hospital. Surgery and scan all must wait. Doctor also junior junior one, keep changing.
Question is, in government hospital are there really first class and second class? Even if you are in A class, I don’t think you will be treated like king.
If you got $$$ just go private straight away.
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I’m a subsidized patient at 1 of the specialist clinic at NUH,would like to share a poignant encounter when requesting for an amendment to my medical appointment due to work commitment.(Its not last minute or frequent).
Was told directly by 1 of the coordinator that “You all subsidized patients cannot suka suka change medical appointment,ok?”
I have another friend who is a non subsidized patient,he was treated differently.I’m not making this up,I reckon many subsidized patients can relate to my posting.
Sadly,she was an award winning employee…reckon must be internal kelong…
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That’s typical gahmen hospital service for you allright..
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Yes. If you voted for FAP, you deserved the 2nd class service….
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So, it is all about money. What happened to Healthcare as a social good. I am waiting for 2016.
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That is why some people who thought they get subsidized treatment will end up paying more for all kinds of stuff. The actual cause is not properly diagnosed. I think in general, the medical officer thinks you are there to feign illness to get MC no matter how bad you feel. Perhaps some think you have psychosomatic problem and in this case. “Imagination”
Have you ever wondered the blue card that senior citizens get (above 65 years) that is supposed to enjoy subsidized treatment at clinics and polyclinics. When you go there, you must produce the card first or else they won’t give you the subsidized charge if you show them after the consultation. That begs the question. Is there a difference in the medicine dispensed if the card is produced before or after registration? We know there are many grades of medicine.
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any surgery that ———————————pay cash only $8 ,class A ,any hospital? ,please recommend to the needy, tks
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Good point there, that is only true if there is wrong diagnosis or there is delay in treatment leading to deterioration in condition. Most of the time, subsidized care is good value for money.
If critical or urgent, best go private if you can afford.
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My wife was warded last week at SGH ward 57 (B1) after a surgery to remove the gall bladder. She needed the nurse so she pressed the “call” button. It took 5-10 minutes for a nurse to come. What would have happened if a patient is out of breathe and call for the nurse? By the time the nurse arrive, the patient would have died already!
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Concerned Citizen:
June 14, 2011 at 5:57 pm Concerned Citizen(Quote)
So, it is all about money. What happened to Healthcare as a social good. I am waiting for 2016.
————————-
Hello,
Why are u waiting for 2016? Don’t tell me that in 2011 u vote without doing due diligent check on the plight which most singaporean are suffering due to their policies and million dollars salary ?
If that’s the case u deserve it.
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Everything must b FAIR………
I dun experience much from other public hospital but I told myself I would not go to NUH with the ways they treated my uncle years ago…
Nevertheless, I dun experience much problem with CGH even I m a Class C patient…Dun expect them to treat me like KING but at least they treated me like a Human, a patient….I know out there many complained about CGH too, but just want a FAIR VIEW to be expressed….
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Dear, wait till u stay in C class ward u cannot imagine ,what would happen . They u all these FT doctors from 3rd world countries. But cow said don’t need to worry u get the best bypass op for $8 , and VB will ask what u want treatment in C , B or A class. No money don’t complain this is Singapore today
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It all boils down to $$$.
If you want better treatment get yourself admitted to Class A1 but be prepared to pay hefty bills.
Better still, if you can afford it go to private hospital.
We often hear that no citizen will be denied medical treatment just because he cant afford to pay. Of course medical treatment will be rendered at Class C level.
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This is normal. Pay more, get better service. Don’t expect to pay subsidized rates and expect “expedited service”.
Especially since when your condition probably isn’t life threatening. The person who just had a heart attack lying on the stretcher beside you probably needs the attention more. Fair?
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girl
please another drama queen
transverse myelitis
there is no specific cure
only symptomatic treatment
in majority of cases, the initial presentation is difficult to diagnose but your doctor was right to exclude life threatening condition such as deep vein thrombus which the blood clot may migrate to your heart or brain and kill you
as time progress, the symptoms and signs of transverse myelitis will become more apparent and easier to diagnose
in majority of cases, recovery is expected without treatment
so before you go and acuse your doctor
get the facts right and then accuse him
but if he treated you unlikely then he is wrong
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Going to Government hospitals is not only a big hassle (long waiting time, time-wasting bureaucracy, rude doctors and other medical personnel) but also downright dangerous from misdiagnosis, wrong/inadequate treatment). This happens because the people working in such hospitals know they are not accountable. Why? Because making them accountable would lead to increased cost of providing healthcare therefore greater subsidy from MOH. Like the rest of Government MOH does not want to spend the money. Their KPI is very focused on money ($$$). Blame this on former Health Minister KBW.
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In many countries all citizens get free treatment!
Even in Msia only pay 1rm as symbolic amount.
Maybe C ward they drag you around like dogs? haha
Well… C ward stay is like 4 star hotel rates.
SG ‘public’ hospital service standards 3rd world, expense 1st world + vip rates, but still eating prisoner food haha
Maybe get a m’sia pr and use their free medical services, make ourselves FT there
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When my mum went for a regular checkup for hypertension in TTSH. She suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest. She was not attended promptly, she was wheelchaired here and there until she was hospitalised and then we were told that she would lost control of her limbs, then she died. I lost her, I was 16 years old then, going to do my “O” Levels.
I torned my ligament during BMT, the MO don’t believe, just give me painkillers. When they finally sent me for physio, I met a PTI there who adviced me to go for a scope. So I went to polyclinic to be referred to a specialist in SGH. They discovered my ligament was torn and it went to one side, they did a bilateral release. Then a new doctor reviewed me. He told me what’s lost was lost, physio also no use.
My dad was diagnosed with cancer, only left with 6 months. When my family went for the doctor review, my dad ask whether he got any chance of survival. The doctor even ridicule his english. He was humiliating a dying man english.
Welcome to Singapore Dr. Never Do N.S. What can you do about it?
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yeh anything that cost $8 at a hospital and I meant anything seriously. You will get 1st class treatment and professional help.
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aiyah…u pay peanuts u get MONKEY lah…subsidized patient no priority 1…I go TTSH subsidized patient come n q first but since i pay full, the nurse ask me 2 go in first…If got $$$, better go private hospital lah..
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I would advise everyone to buy medical insurance, for 100% coverage (as-charged, co- insurance and deductible), class A ward in hosp. That way, even when we are sick we dont have to worry about the costs and service levels in govt hosp.
Btw, I am not an insurance agent. Just speaking from experience.
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And those with no $$$ die? What are you talking about? Isn’t TR a place where we speak as one people, for each other, or are you suggesting we sidestep the less well-off like the pappies? If we don’t speak for those without $$$, who will?
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Isn’t that what the government want us to do too? Just take care of ourselves right? Don’t worry about others? Self-interest rules! That’s pappy logic.
What about those who cannot afford medical insurance? Die quickly?
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Jenny, refer to your last sentence here.
If someone who cannot afford medical insurance and who unfortunately suffers a chronic illness requires a prolonged hospitalization, his medisave will be used. Upon exhausting his own medisave, his next-of-kin’s medisave will be drawn down. For example a married man with working children; if this man’s medisave runs out because of either costly ICU or long hospitalization, his wife’s medisave will be drawn down, and then his kids’. When all medisave has been exhausted, then they pay CASH.
The person won’t die quickly, as you have put it. Just that until both your medisave & cash RUNS out, the government probably won’t help you.
Medisave on it’s own is grossly inadequate. If a person suffers a serious illness and expect to use his own savings (like Medisave)to pay for the treatment, it’s going to be a nightmare. So the best alternative is to protect yourself – MEDICAL INSURANCE.
A lot of things we can blame the government for not providing enough solutions for us. But it doesn’t matter if most of our accusations are right because some of them we can pester and make noise and wait for the outcome. But some of them we CANNOT wait. We just have to make some decisions for ourselves. We have to. Because our life is OURS, and ours to watch out for.
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SGH STINKS ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
You go public hospital, they treat you like dirt.
The doctors and nurses there also not happy as they say they are underpaid and over worked.
This is a first world standard country and yet where did all the money go to ?
Hospitals insufficient beds, overflowing and crowded. Housing flats not enough and OVERPRICED !
It is high time to sacked the current government and ruling party !
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If you choose to be admitted to a higher class A or B, you will no longer be able to downgrade to class C. So, you may be able to affort to pay for class A or B medical expenses now… there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to affort to pay them in the future, especially when the medical costs are rising… My aunt was a good example…she was admitted to class B when she was earning an income. And when she retired, she wanted to downgrade to class C and was not allowed to do so…and was told that even if she downgraded to class C, she would be paying for Class B services (price).
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“was it because I was staying in Class B2 ward and hence I deserved to be treated as a 2nd class citizen since I was told my case was not urgent?”
My impression is it is not that patients in class B2 or C wards are treated less urgent than patients in class A or B1 wards, it is competency of the doctor treating the patient that is in question.
The truth is I have been to both private and government hospitals and I can tell you there are both good and not so good doctors in all of them. The only difference is that in government hospital there are many junior doctors that may not be experience enough to detect the right problem and later treat it.
On the other hand in private hospital sometimes doctors can be over zealous in prescribing the right cure but cases might not be as urgent as it seems.
For example, if your doctor said found a blood clot in your heart the government doctor will probably inform you to take some drugs and see if the blood clot will clear and if not, operate 3 month later since you won’t drop dead immediately. However, in a private hospital the private doctor will tell you the same thing but they will also inform you they could remove the blood clot tomorrow if you want.
Hence it all boils down to your ability to pay and your faith in different doctors. Mind you even in a private hospital, the doctor as well as the nurse might be more experience but it does not mean you die under their care or on their operating table.
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Write a letter to SGH and state your case and seek compensation
If there’s no reply or your case is not entertained by SGH, please:
hire a lawyer, sue them to recover your:
1. unnecessary extra medical cost caused to you by their professional negligence. You have a report from the Alvernia hospital to back your case
2. unnecessary extra legal cost you need to seek for the purposes of this case.
This is not about SGH about being public hospital or whatsoever, this is plain professional negligence that can happen even in better hospitals.
please seek recourse regardless who is negligent of their duties and please avoid generalization of the bad stereotype
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My son admitted to KK hospital last year. There were no A and B class left and we had to stay at C class. The service quality were very big different with the class B.
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All Class Patients are Equal but some Patients are more equal than others.
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Let me share 2 incidents with all of you:
I had similar experience with TTSH many years back. Was hospitalised for 3 days but doctor discharged me saying they cannot dfind anything wrong with me (I had hyperthyriodism). When I went for review with my dad, the female doc attending to me told me straight in my face “C’mon, you don’t want to go to work also don’t have to pretend”… my dad was furious and shouted back at her saying no one in the right mind will subject oneself to so many needle pricks and test and $ just to get MC! She kept quiet immediately.
My aunt was pregnant 3 yrs ago and was under the care of a senior consultant. In her last trimester, she noticed that the baby doesn’t kick for a period of time and informed the gynae accordingly. He simply told her that “Not all babies kick”..
Trusting the gynae, she gave birth via caesarean.. and to her dismay, the baby was immediately brought to NICU and didnt survive afterwards… her kidney did not develop…
Complained to the hospital, had a meet up with the HOD… got a 10% discount…. but a precious life gone…
Am left with little confidence with the public hospitals now…
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Cow’s formula = $8 = Cow Class – in Leekapore, better die than be sick!!!
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The MOH said all the same..but tell you, all class C and B patients are pigs for the trainee doctor to operate on you. Life is cheap in SGH, its a training ground, where they can get patients to train doctors? From class A? When a minister sick, they will get the best of the best, this is a reality. Got $$, go for the best or you will be target for trainees. My advise is buy hospitalisation insurance, Singapore for now is only for the rich.
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under the prevailing circumstances where many singaporeans have been impoverished to some extent by the various govt policies inplace,and, in a fast ageing population environment,it is IMPERATIVE that the govt puts SINGAPOREAN PATIENTS FIRST before all NON-CITIZENS – FT./PR/ MEDICAL TOURIST – IN OUR GOVT HOSPITALS UNLESS THERE ARE VERY SPECIAL CASES,WHICH I STRONLGY BELIEVE ,ARE RARE?
OUR JOBS have been given to FOREIGNERS,SO TOO OUR HOMES AND NOW,EVEN MEDICAL CARE in public hospitals are given priority to some ‘RICH’ MEDICAL TOURISTS?
IS THIS RIGHT?
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I would think Raffles Hospital shouldnt have sent patient to SGH. Being a private hospital, they should have given her option of another private hospital or Class A/B restructured hospital. Dumping her in A&E is being irresponsible. Raffles being the healthcare industry should know why, in the first place, the patient goes to them instead of restructured hospital. So Ms Serene should be complaining to RH for being so irresponsible as well.
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Hey friend, you talk like one of those healthcare guys in restructure hospitals. As a layman, do you think Serene will be very scared if her symptoms persist and no action nor explainations were given to her? It is most unethical for a doctor to say “What are you worrying about?”. This type of doctor is exactly the type of unethical and heartless doctor we face in restructure hospital. They get fixed pay no matter how many patients they see. So every patient is an extra burden & more work for him only. They don’t see patients as a person anymore. They dun bother to explain nicely to another human, just like this ‘pick nose’ guy, calling Serene a drama queen. Indespicable!
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Same thing will happen at the new Ng Teng Fong Hospital. Got money, can change name and can call the shots.
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I can quote another example comparing private healthcare and government healthcare.
For example, you have a toothache back of the mouth including some bleeding and pus and you decided to visit a private dentist. The dentist will check and later tell you,”Oh, it could be a wisdom tooth”. In order to confirm it further the dentist will take an X-ray of the upper and lower jaw and lo and behold, there are actually 3 wisdom tooth but only one has presented itself causing some pain and bleeding.
The dentist will then inform you how much it will cost to remove the problematic wisdom tooth and a simple surgery can be done within the week. Total cost is S$600.
But you thought it cost too much and decided to consult a dentist in government polyclinic. The dentist check and later refer you to National Dental Centre for an X-ray and the dentist there will then inform you there is a wisdom tooth and they can perform the operations to remove it only 8 months later. Total cost is S$300.
So now you must decide. Can you wait 8 months and save S$300 or solve the problem within the week for S$600. Either option you won’t drop dead immediately.
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Jenny Tan,
I’m just stating the fact of what is happening.
Of course we expect the government to care for all people equally especially the poor and we should pressure them to do so.
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Humans will be humans. Private or Public treatment regardless. You can’t really pin this on anyone but human nature. I hear they charge even for every nurse call in public hospitals, hence incentivising service.
I do believe service is subjective to the situation you’re set in. not every person is equipped, or is able to give top service or attention to another, delicate as interpersonal relationships may hang in the balance.
Simple bottom line: Pay more, get better service. Using personal anecdotes of bad experiences to put down Bureaucracy and Poor Governance seems like a long shot, does it not?
The moment we stop the egocentricity, and begin to look at the larger picture, only then will be be able to truly criticise the Government in a credible, solid manner.
Until then, every argument serves no one else but the complainer/victim, and we would only be doing a lot of witch hunting.
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@Arbitrary Observer:
You can say what you want,you’re entitled to your opinion but reckon you’ve not experienced govt or so called re-structured hospital yet.
Come back to TRE when you finally kena,if TRE is still around…
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OH!PLEASE GET UR KNOWLEDGE RIGHT BEFORE U COMMENT!!!
TRANSVERSE MYELITIS-NO SPECIFIC CURE AND CAN RECOVER W/O TREATMENT??
F.Y.I – I’M THE ONE WHO INFORM THE DOCTOR THE POSSIBILITY OF D.V.T
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Singapore is for the RICH. If you cannot afford it, so sorry, YOU DIE YOUR PROBLEM.
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Yes, please go to Khaw Boon Wan Hospital FTR. It is S$8 flat rate for heart diseases.
In case you are wondering, FTR = for the rich
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You should thank Khaw Boon Wan personally , the Penangite struck gold in Singapore minister for all the good health care you, as a Singaporean have received.
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http://www.sgh.com.sg/Others/Pages/DoctorDetails.aspx?_id=2ef31f1c-944c-491d-9895-f92ccd3d3dff&name=BokChekWai&institute=SingaporeGeneralHospital
Dr. Bok Chek Wai
Consultant
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
MBBS, M Med (Int Med), MRCP (UK)
Dr Bok has a special interest in Neurorehabilitation especially in the management and rehabilitation of stroke and spinal cord injury patients.
http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/corporate/deanlist/deanlist_9697.shtml
he is a dean list doctor.
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I say, you went to the wrong hospital which in this case is SGH..because when you went MT Alvernia, things became better albeit you paying more i guess?
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