Senior says hospital sent her home sick in taxi in middle of the night
A Vancouver Island senior is upset that she was sent home from hospital earlier this month even though she was dizzy and vomiting.
Edna Cote, 75, said she called an ambulance late on Saturday, July 9 after she experienced a severe dizzy spell. The ambulance took her to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Cote said she was told she had vertigo, was prescribed medication and then sent home in the middle of the night. She said she was in no condition to take care of herself.
"They got me to the cab at four in the morning," she said. "And I said I can't go home, I have nobody at home. I was throwing up at this point at the same time."
Cab driver provided help
Cote says the cab driver had to search her purse for her house keys and help her into the house.
"If it wasn't for him, I would have been collapsed on the driveway," she said.
A friend came to her house the following Monday morning and called an ambulance, which took her back to hospital, she said.
After more tests, Cote said she was told her symptoms actually came from a recent stroke — and she is receiving treatment.
But she is still upset about the manner in which she was sent home.
Island Health said its policy indicates patients should not be discharged without a care plan, and never late at night against their wishes.
The health authority did not verify any of the events, but said it is following up with the patient.
With files from Megan Thomas
