'Why couldn't I visit dying dad?'
Son told to return during visiting hours. Dad dies before that. Hospital apologises
By Shree Ann Mathavan
May 26, 2010
Mr Sheun Chye Thok, 63, was upset that a lapse by Changi General Hospital (CGH) staff made him miss seeing his father for the last time before he died on May 14.
His father was just two days shy of turning 97.
Mr Sheun had tried to see his father, Mr Sheun Fei Yuen, 96, that morning but was turned away as it was outside visiting hours.
His father died about 1 1/2 hours later.
The older Mr Sheun had been on the hospital's dangerously ill list, which means that he is allowed up to four visitors at all times.
But the nurse on duty the night before had failed to indicate this.
As a result, the morning nurse was unaware of the ailing man's status and counter staff told Mr Sheun that he couldn't see his father.
The hospital has since apologised to the family.