Patient spends four hours on cold floor at Adelaide hospital
Hospital bed shortage meant a patient received medical treatment on the floor.
Ginny Chalmer, 71, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was taken to Noarlunga Hospital by ambulance on Wednesday. Staff placed her in a wheelchair but she felt too unwell and lay down on the floor.
Blood tests and nasal swabs were performed on the floor while she waited for a hospital bed. Ginny Chalmer was disturbed to overhear staff discussing other patients' conditions in the waiting room.
SA Health apologised and said it would review what happened. Hospital officials said early treatment in waiting rooms helps speed up care.
- 71
- Patient age
- 4 hours
- Time on floor
- Noarlunga Hospital
- Hospital
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Condition
Why it mattersRaises questions about hospital capacity and patient dignity during medical treatment.
AustraliaSpotlights pressure on Adelaide and South Australian hospital services during peak demand.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
