Letter to The New Paper: AMPUTEE SPAT WITH NUH
Sad that former soldier must fend for himself
My letter on the above matter is published in The New Paper today,
Saturday 22nd March 2014.
It is a real sad state of affairs
that an army officer, who must have once contributed to our nation’s security,
is now left to fend for himself as in the report, “Amputee upset hospital
discharged him” (The New Paper, March 15).
With our hospitals facing bed crunch problems, I am sure
the National University Hospital (NUH) had little choice but to discharge Mr
Ervine Miranda.
When a person has mobility problems like he does,
frustration, anger and anxiety are bound to set in.
But it is commendable that the health-care workers at NUH
understood his feelings and have been more than tolerant with his outbursts.
Given that Mr Miranda would not be able to care for himself
as his family has left him, the Government could help in several ways.
We must bear in mind that during his younger days, he has
also contributed to nation- building. And he needs to be assured that the
authorities recognised that.
Firstly, help to secure a nursing home for Mr Miranda,
where full time care can be given. But
before this is done, professionals need to counsel him and advise him on the
options open to him. He needs to be assured
that help is always available.
Secondly, grassroots leaders, with some volunteers can help
to clean up his 3-room flat in Ghim Moh.
Then he has the option to rent it out through the Community Development
Council, and the income generated can be used to help pay for his home care and
for other needs.
For such a case, the Government can perhaps offer a higher
subsidy for fulltime nursing care.
Lastly, it would be helpful if some volunteers who are
trained in counselling visit him to reassure him that there is always light at
the end of a dark tunnel.
RAYMOND ANTHONY
FERNANDO
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