Complaint Review: North Ottawa Community Hospital

Mother was rushed to North Ottawa Community Hospital with moderate chest pain, pain radiating down arm and shortness of breath. Staff was told Mother had history of a heart problem. Mother was made to sit and register (wouldn't allow family to register for her). Mother taken to examination room and waits approximately 10 minutes to see Emergency Room Physician while condition rapidly deteriorating.

Pain is more severe. Mother wants to take her nitro but not allowed by staff (told it would interfere with tests). Throughout all this, staff and physician are told of a previous heart problem. Staff seems to lack concern as if there is nothing urgent. Family asks she be transferred to nearby hospital specializing in cardiac care. Family is told "No, we will do tests here".

Tests taken, physician says it is not her heart. Physician says problem is a severe urinary tract infection gone rampant but she will be ok. Mother tells physician chest pain is very severe and she is sure it is her heart. Family begs for her to be transferred to cardiac facility. Physician declines. Treatment for urinary tract infection is started. Mother loses consciousness. Family (thinking improper diagnoses) furiously begs she be transferred. Physician says there is no reason to transfer, she will be ok. 1.5 hours later physician agrees to transfer.

At second hospital tests are run. Cardiac specialist says "No indication of urinary tract infection, I don't understand how North Ottawa came to that conclusion". "Your Mother suffered a heart attack while at North Ottawa".

Mother never regained consciousness and passed away two days later.

stillmissmom
********, Michigan
U.S.A.