A review is underway at a Niagara Falls hospital after an elderly patient fell at the facility and was told to call an ambulance for help.

Doreen Wallace, 82, fell inside the double doors of the Greater Niagara General Hospital last weekend, breaking her leg and cutting her arm, according to Niagara radio station CKTB.

A security guard asked the ER for help, but was told Wallace would have to phone for an ambulance.

Wallace's son did call 911, but by the time the ambulance arrived a half hour later, his mother had been cared for by a surgeon who was walking by.

The supervisor of the Niagara Health System says he's disappointed Wallace didn't get the care she deserved and adds that the NHS has apologized to the family.

Kevin Smith says in the future, NHS policy in dealing with visitors who need help will focus on "rapid response and transport to the most appropriate clinical setting".