Process in place for treatment based on patient condition, clinical assessment

The National University Hospital (NUH) has in place a process to ensure patients receive appropriate medical treatment promptly as their conditions warrant and based on clinical assessment. (“Does NUH have protocol for handling patients with psychiatric issues?”; Dec 21)

While Mr Bachan Singh’s brother was diagnosed eventually with bipolar disorder, his health condition was stable when he was first admitted to Ward1@NUH for rehabilitation. There were no significant behavioural issues to suggest he had any underlying psychiatric condition.

The instances during which the patient was uncooperative might have been triggered by situations. For example, he turned aggressive when he was stopped from smoking.

It was thus inconclusive that his behaviour in those situations was indicative of an underlying psychiatric condition.

Considering that he had developed an infection following his second surgery and needed further treatment and monitoring by a multi-disciplinary team, the clinical team assessed that his care should continue in the NUH until his condition stabilised.

As with all decisions made in consultation with Mr Singh and his family throughout the patient’s admission, the family was updated and agreed with this arrangement.

Our staff had been in contact with Mr Singh upon receipt of his first letter, offering to meet him and his family to address their concerns.

We have since clarified his queries several times in writing and have invited him, no less than four times, to meet with us. He has not responded to our offers.

Our channels remain open for him to address his concerns with us directly. He may contact our Quality Service Manager at 1800 778 9243 should he change his mind.