SGH Responds After Netizen Accused Staff of Using Patient As “Guinea Pig”

In a recent Facebook post that sent shockwaves through social media, a netizen accused Singapore General Hospital (SGH) staff of allegedly using a patient as a “guinea pig.” The claim sparked concern among the public, prompting SGH to respond to the allegations.

The post, shared by user Teri Tan, narrated an unsettling encounter involving a family member at SGH.

What the Facebook User Claimed

According to Tan, the patient was purportedly subjected to experimental procedures without proper consent, leading to severe distress for both the patient and their family.

She included photos that showed a heavily bruised hand with multiple insertion wounds.

The saddest part? These were all taken just days before the death of her family member.

When Tan requested the nurse to call the doctor down and speak with her to explain what caused the bruises, he allegedly left.

The netizen’s account triggered a flurry of reactions, with many expressing shock and disbelief at the alleged incident. Some even mentioned how they had similar experiences with SGH.

Concerned citizens demanded an explanation from SGH and urged authorities to investigate the matter.

SGH Responded

In response to the mounting public scrutiny, SGH promptly addressed the allegations on their official Facebook page. No choice right? The hospital asserted its commitment to patient welfare, ensuring that all medical procedures adhere to the highest ethical standards.

SGH clarified that the doctor had already left when she called as he was off-duty.

Supposedly, he had tried to contact Tan but was “unable to reach her” so he got hold of the patient’s wife, who is the nominated spokesperson, and explained the situation.

According to them, elderly patients tend to have fragile and thin veins which makes it extremely hard for even the most skilled doctors to collect blood, thus requiring a few tries at times.

The hospital expressed its sadness and condolences to the family and affirmed its commitment to maintaining open communication with patients and their families.

SGH Verbally Abused by Patient

Just last year, SGH underwent another case of mistreatment but this time, it was towards their staff and police officers.

Two Douyin videos were released of a woman, Han Feizi, being interviewed by police officers for throwing insults at SGH nurses.

Han had allegedly been in a car accident and was denied treatment after three hours of waiting because she was not a Singaporean.

Associate Professor Kenneth Tan, the head and senior consultant for the Department of Emergency Medicine at SGH, clarified that Han was discharged two hours after her arrival.

In the videos, Han could also be seen trying to grab the officer’s lanyard.

About two weeks after the incident, Han pleaded guilty in court to five charges which included using abusive language with a hospital worker and making a false statement on her work permit application amongst other things on 25 October 2023.