|
|
|
|
|
Friday, 31 December 2004 10:00 | BNN: British Nursing News Online · www.bnn-online.co.uk
|
|
Retired cook Matilda Balmbra, 77, died after the only doctor on duty at a hospital refused to see her.
The GP at Alnwick Infirmary was working under a new system which has seen doctors' surgeries hand over cover from 6pm to 8am to the Northumberland Care Trust.
The Trust awarded a contract to a Newcastle firm called Northern Doctors Urgent Care to provide standby GPs at hospitals and medical centres.
The GP told paramedics to take Matilda Balmbra away because his contract didn't cover treating patients who turned up by ambulance.
Niece Elisabeth, 58, a local councillor said "As a councillor I observed the service and wasn't impressed. It's a dangerous shambles.
"But I didn't think for a moment I'd be the person to lose someone”.
Local MP Alan Beith called it "scandalous". He said: "A doctor not seeing a patient needing aid is completely unacceptable”.
The Northumberland Care Trust is investigating. A spokeswoman said: "We are concerned”.
|
|
-
0 comments on this story
|
|
Home Top Disclaimer Site
Credits
Nursing Jobs | Just for Nurses | Nursing Agencies List | Charles Bloe Training
Nursing Portal | Nursing Events | Brutish Nursing | British Nursing Websites
Website Development and SEO Services
|
|
|