Barbara Houghton, Sea Point
Last week a very frail 90-year-old lady fell in her flat. Despite calling the Western Cape Emergency Services, six hours elapsed without an ambulance arriving.
Fortunately, a neighbour contacted the CSO Cape Town Community Emergency Medical Response and within 15 minutes Medical Officer Salkinder arrived and gave her the necessary medical treatment and support.
Through his contacts, an ambulance arrived promptly, and she was immediately taken to Somerset Hospital. Officer Salkinder stayed with her until she was comfortably transported.
I later learnt that the CSO is an emergency medical service established and supported by the Jewish community, but willingly offer support to all in need of emergency help.
Accolades to medical officer, Salkinder, for his expertise and to the CSO for this essential service.
Upon arrival at Somerset Hospital, the staff were most helpful and particularly, Dr Robyn Mayer, the doctor on duty.
She examined the patient and advised her daughter on the procedures to be undertaken. Dr Mayer went beyond her call of duty and kept the daughter updated on her mother’s progress.
Later she telephoned to break the sad news that the mother had passed away. Again, next morning Dr Mayer was again on duty to comfort the daughter and carefully explain the circumstances of her mother’s passing.
Likewise, the staff at the Salt River Mortuary where we went to identify the body, were most empathetic and helpful to ensure that the process was respectfully completed.
Accolades to all the men and women who work tirelessly in the medical profession and services.
