ST Forum (4/6/09)
Helped by two strangers, rebuffed by cabbies and clinic staff
ON TUESDAY, I fell into a drain while jogging and lacerated my shin. A passer-by helped me by calling a cab.
A number of taxis stopped, but after the cabbies saw my condition, they drove off.
I managed to get into a taxi to take me to a clinic next to my block. It was closing time when I got there. I asked the clinic assistant if I could see the doctor as I had a wound that required cleaning and stitching.
The doctor refused to see me or even put a temporary dressing on my wound, even after I asked to see him twice.
I then asked the assistant if she could help me to my home, which was next to the clinic. But she said she was busy.
[she had to close up the clinic, and couldn't leave without her boss' (the doctor's) permission ... anyway without a car, how was she to help joshua ? might as well have the doctor drive joshua home ? ! but he refused a temp dressing, much less have joshua in his car ? ! ]
I was appalled by the service and the lack of compassion shown by the clinic staff. (Old Harry - compassion is a sign of weakness, achievement is a sign of strength - don't forget my personal favourite quote even after i kick the bucket, okie ?:oIo I had to ask a stranger to help me to my home, from where I made my way to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
I would like thank the two strangers who lent a helping hand to someone in need, and the staff and doctors at TTSH's accident and emergency department for their professionalism and for providing good service with a smile.
Joshua Lim