RECENTLY, my 70-year-old brother was found semi-conscious at home and sent to Taiping Hospital on Nov 4 by ambulance.

After a series of physical examination and tests, he was diagnosed with having suffered a cerebral haemorrhage.

Anxiety arose when family members were informed, especially because it was a Saturday morning and most departments were not working during the weekend.

Much to our pleasant surprise, Taiping Hospital arranged to transfer my brother to Ipoh Hospital where he underwent surgery to stop the bleeding and to relieve cranial pressure by that same evening! When the operation finally ended at 11pm, a CT scan was performed to ascertain whether there was any further bleeding.

Despite the late hour, the radio­logist-on-call even took time to show us the CT scan and explained the images to us, their status, pre- and post-surgery.

As there was no ICU bed available at Ipoh Hospital, the patient was transferred back to Taiping Hospital for post-surgical care.

Because of the speedy management of this case, my brother regained consciousness and was out of the ICU the following day. By the third day, after a satisfactory assessment, my brother was discharged with minimal loss of movement in all limbs and was able to start walking on his own again after only two weeks.

The Wan family would very much like to express gratitude and appreciation to the medical staff of both hospitals for their quick decision and prompt action.

The communication and coordination between the two hospitals was efficient and timely and that was what we believe made the difference in patient outcome.

We would like to acknowledge all those involved from the ambulance service and nursing care to the attending doctors and specialists for their clinical expertise, ­dedication and management of my brother’s case. Today, three weeks after the operation, he only needs physiotherapy to strengthen his leg muscles and regain stability.

THE WAN FAMILY

Taiping