Bangkok Pattaya Hospital..Where is the Care?...

[Barryz]

Well said Onzestan,

Barryz if it is "not your problem" why don't you butt out of this thread?

Their are a lot of people in Pattaya who feel very strongly about this subject and regardless of some of the initial information being incorrect regarding Matt Hayes's treatment and subsequent death the BHP do have a case to answer in this instance and many others over a long period of time.

Okay! I'll butt out. It's not my problem now, but it might be at some time in the future. Right at the moment I'm thinking of crossing Pattaya off my list of retirement options on the grounds that medical treatment might not be up to scratch. Maybe the situation in Phuket is better???

[Mobi]

.......I left wondering how much worse the field hospitals of the Crimean War could have been. To say that it was basic would be an extreme understatement. The wards were not air-conditioned, which did not help the smell and the beds were old and rusted. Minimal treatment was given to the patients.......

.....They just let him lay there in the oppressive heat, presumably until he either recovered or died......

Hi thebounder,

An interesting account of Chon Buri hospital.

I too have some experience of that place, but did not previously report it as I thought it may be off topic.

But upon reflection, I now believe that if poor Matt had made it there alive there, it is unlikely, that he would have survived such an ordeal.

I once volunteered to take two kids from The Mercy mission to Chon Buri hospital, as they both had life threatening conditions that could not be treated elsewhere – due to lack of funds.

We arrive early in the morning and were eventually directed to the top floor of one of the buildings where the was a hall set aside for the reception of sick kids who were going to be examined by a team of doctors for free, under the sponsorship of an international insurance company. We were all shown to our seats, and we had to endure 2 hours of speeches by executives of the insurance company (telling us what a wonderful bunch of people they were), and then by executives of the hospital. We even we treated to a slide show. All this had to be endured by desperately poor parents or family members, nursing pathetically sick, distressed kids, many of whom were crying. When the speeches finally came to an end, all the kids had to pose with the ‘puyais’ for photographs. One of ‘my’ kids refused to pose properly and wouldn’t stop crying, so he was pushed away.

At the end of all this, my two kids queued up at a table for a doctor to examine them. The doctor spent about 2 minutes on each one, and then referred them to other departments in the hospital.

I can confirm that the hospital is on a par with a war zone field hospital. The heat was stifling, there must have been hundreds, if not thousands of patients milling around on every floor, many lying on the floor in their own filth, all desperately awaiting allusive treatment from seemingly long absent doctors. The place was grimy, such equipment that could be discerned looked in a bad state of repair, and an atmosphere of gloom, hopelessness and despair pervaded every crevice.

In all I stayed in that place for over 8 hours, and finally made it back to Pattaya as dusk descended, and I had no confidence that my two charges were any better off for the ordeal we had put them through.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the hospital that the good people of BPH, in their supreme wisdom, referred Matt to.

[Jimmyd]

I'll be sorry to see Barryz leave this thread. His posts have been well thought out and have contributed to this thread.

As far as I can see, all Barryz has said is that BHP has not been proven guilty of anything yet, which is simply the truth. In fact BHP was accused of some terrible things which they *apparently* did not do, such as refusing treatment in Matt Hayes' case.

The other side is also correct in saying that there is lots of anecdotal evidence that BHP is guilty of money grubbing and substandard care. There are some convincing first-hand stories here, e.g. thebounder's last post.

Asking Barryz to leave when he has been polite and well spoken only hurts the credibility of those asking him to leave, in my opinion.

[Jimmyd]

...snip...there must have been hundreds, if not thousands of patients milling around on every floor, many lying on the floor in their own filth, all desperately awaiting allusive treatment from seemingly long absent doctors...snip...

Wow. Mobi that's an amazing statement. Has anyone else seen such things at Chonburi Hospital?

[steviekes]

A party will be taking place to the memory of the late Matt Hayes this coming Sunday, 3 June, at the Janet Bar and Grill, Soi Xyte. The party will start at about 3PM and Matt's Thai estate, approximately between 80-100,000 baht will be donated to a number of local charities. Matt's American estate will also be given to Thai charities at a later date.

Anyone who wishes to attend is cordially invited.

[supersomchai]

No hospital is perfect(i have worked in many good and a few bad ones before) and there are always a few horror stories,a few documented and based on real events and plenty based on hear say .I think before anyone should even CONSIDER boycotting any hospital, the decision to do so should be based on the overall track record of the hospital and real verifiable facts(that being something a lawyer could prove).Does anyone really have that information with regard to Bangkok pattaya Hospital??? sorry should be in the new thread.

Edited May 28, 2007 by supersomchai

[Lindsey]

Such a sad story; glad that he's being remembered properly;

[Tammi]

...snip...there must have been hundreds, if not thousands of patients milling around on every floor, many lying on the floor in their own filth, all desperately awaiting allusive treatment from seemingly long absent doctors...snip...

Wow. Mobi that's an amazing statement. Has anyone else seen such things at Chonburi Hospital?

Chonburi Hospital sounds Dickensian at best - a far cry from the beautiful BHP. When I have time I will make a trip to Chonburi Hospital and report back to you. Maybe its changed since Mobi was there.

By the way, I verify that nurses at BHP start at 7 am and finish at 11 pm!!!

My thoughts will be with you, Matt's friends, and Matt's family on 3rd June when you hold the Memorial.

[larvidchr]

Asking Barryz to leave when he has been polite and well spoken only hurts the credibility of those asking him to leave, in my opinion.

I am sorry you feel that way, on the other hand I can live with it. All have been with the honest intent to bring pressure to BPH clearing up the circumstances leading to the death of Matt (RIP), and to possible change bad procedures. This is hard enough to do as it is, and arguing about minor details is not reasonable compared to the seriusness of the issue, I have to say that during this time so many troublesome stories about BPH have come to light, it really has surprised me, and i do not belive that so many people lie on this forum, they have no reason to, I am thankfull for the info from TV members, making me aware of these problems, and for this reason I for my part will not use BPH in a forseeable future.

As to Barryz, he has gone up a notch or two in my book , eventually bowing out in a very gracefull and honurable manner. I bow to that

Kind regards

[wpcoe]

Forgive me if the is the wrong Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital (or, is it now officially Bangkok Hospital - Pattaya?) thread, but I'll add another "anecdotal" acount of my experience with B-PH:

Before I moved to Pattaya I was a regular "customer" of Bangkok Nursing Hospital on Soi Convent in Bangkok. One of my treatments there was the inpatient removal of a plantar (sole of the foot) wart. At the cashier's desk the alert and helpful cashier examined my bill, and asked me to wait while he verifed something with my attending physician. About 15 minutes later I was called back to the cashier and was advised that my treatment was 100% covered by BUPA insurance. I was puzzled, as I had seen the original statement when I initially went to the cashier's desk and had seen a balance due ... I'm not sure of the exact amount as it has been a few years, but I think I was due to pay about B1,000. So, I asked what had happened and the cashier said he had asked my physician to recertify some for the treatment so that I would have a zero balance. Something about inpatient vs outpatient classification. (My BUPA account had an OPD coverage of B1200/day at that time.) The cashier apologized for making me wait while the records were amended, but I was truly grateful.

Now, fast forward a year, and the plantar wart has returned. No heaps of anger at the BNH doctor, as I had researched online and was aware that there was a fair degree of chance that the wart would reappear. Now, a year later, I'm living in Pattaya and undergo the inpatient "surgery" at BP-H. When I reach the cashier, I see a balance due of about B1,000. I ask the cashier if there were a way to re-categorize the outpatient classification to have BUPA cover more of the bill. I got a look of scorn that only a katoey can give you. <g> (BTW, those of you who are regulars at BP-H know exactly who the cashier was...!) S/he glared at me, made a quiet phone call in Thai, then commanded me to have a seat until I was called back. After about 15 minutes, I was called back and s/he tossed the amended bill at me ... an amended bill that had a balance due of zero.

Compare the attitude and actions between BNH and BP-H. What I failed to notice was if the final amount paid to the hospital was the same after the adjustment. i.e. Was it merely re-classification of charges so that insurance would pay more but the total amount was the same, or was the final amount going into the hospital coffers less?

That is truly a minor anectotal account, but it helped erode my positive opinion of BP-H.

My experiences at BNH maybe set my BP-H expectations too high. I was HIGHLY impressed with the various doctors I had at BNH, doctors who could think "outside the box" and take into account my questions and concerns.

Another BNH vs BP-H comparision:

Last year, I had a series of ear infections and about every four weeks I would visit the E-N-T folks at BP-H. They would examine, verify the infection, flush out the car canal, and simply prescribe a different antibiotic. I was uneasy after about 4 or 5 times of being on antibiotics in a six month period.

I happened to be in Bangkok, and dropped by to see my favorite E-N-T doctor at BNH, explained to him my recent history and reluctance to go on systemic anti-biotics once again. He said that without the time to take a culture and test (which he wanted to do -- and which BP-H had never done -- but since I was only there for the day understood my situation), his best suggestion was to prescribe an ear wash of acetic acid (vinegar) rinses twice daily. His reasoning was that perhaps my ear canal was too alkaline, allowing easy footing for infection to take root. Rinsing with (acetic) acid would normalize the acidity level and stave off infection. To fight the current mild infection I had, he prescribed some topical antibiotic drops. He had respectfully considered and addressed my concerns, and offered an alternative treatment plan. BP-H seemed to just follow a rote script and dismissed my silly concern about being on systemic antibiotics so often.

Again, maybe not fair to compare BP-H to the exceptional care & treatment I had received at BNH, but the BNH doctor took into account my concerns and formulated a successful treatment. (Since then, when I felt an infection coming on, I went on the vinegar flush routine, and it cleared it right up.) I have no doubt that at BP-H it would have simply been yet another round of systemic antibiotics.

So, while not a stinging condemnation of BP-H, it has left me feeling less than confident about the care I will receive there. Every doctor, nurse and pharmacist I've had contact with at BNH has taken time to listen to my (many) questions and concerns and addressed them to my satisfaction. At BP-H, I feel like "just another patient" who should not be questioning the medical staff. I feel it's more than a coincidence. There must be some policy differences between the two organizations?

If I were to experience a non-emergency medical situation that required substantial treatment, I *will* take the time to go to Bangkok to BNH again.

BTW, to give credit (and praise) where it's due, my E-N-T doctor at BNH is Dr.Pasakorn, and my Internal Medicine doctor at BNH is Dr. Irene. I highly recommend both of them.

[peacemakers]

extract from PATTAYA MAIL ( Pattaya's first English Language Newspaper) VOL XV No. 21 page 29 . This newspaper never tolerence gossip!

It has been alleged in the press that a severely injured man was not accepted by Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and that the injured man “died …. on this unnecessary journey” (to Chonburi Hospital), and “if they (the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya) would have accepted him … then maybe he would still be alive.”

We acknowledge the concerns of the expat community and consequently feel it necessary to correct some misconceptions and misinformation.

Although we are a private hospital, we are registered and accepted as the emergency center in Pattaya by the Chonburi Provincial authorities and Pattaya City. Our policy does not differentiate between Thais or foreigners presented as emergencies, and they are accepted immediately without administrative delay. Formal admission proceedings and/or transfer will be made later, after the patient’s condition has been stabilized as far as is medically possible.

Following allegations by one newspaper and repeated on some websites, it seems that sections of the expat community are under the impression that we turned away an injured American (quote) “because he was not carrying any ID, so he was put in the back of a pick-up truck and sent all the way to Chonburi and died of internal bleeding on the way.” We entirely refute those statements as being totally untrue. The real situation is as follows:

The injured American male was brought to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya at 10 a.m. on 28 April, 2007. A speeding truck had hit the victim while he was riding his motorcycle, resulting in multiple serious injuries.

Our doctor at Emergency Room noted the injuries, and immediate treatment was given and an urgent CT scan was done. Four specialist doctors (Orthopedic Surgeon, Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgeon, and two General Surgeons) attended the man promptly.

The injuries had produced massive blood loss and treatment was instituted, including the following:

1 Restoration of the blood volume with transfusions and pump to bring up the blood pressure.

2. Keeping his blood pressure and pulse up with medications

3. Supply of oxygen via endo-tracheal tube

4. Removal of blood from inside the chest cavity

5. Stabilization of his fracture site.

He had lost a lot of blood and received 4 units while he was at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Our blood stocks are such that we can supply 99.9 percent of the emergency and our routine surgery needs, however the man’s condition was such that he would need enormous quantities of blood. The closest hospital with access to large volumes is Chonburi Hospital, and after discussions with them, the medical team decided to transfer him to Chonburi Hospital for further treatment and surgery. The patient’s medical condition dictated the urgent transfer, as it is not a simple matter of getting blood supplies from another hospital’s blood bank. Administrative logistics within the public hospital system, and the need to cross-match against the patient’s own blood, means that it would be quicker sending the patient to Chonburi, than getting permission for the blood to be released and then sent here for cross-match.

Far from being turned away and “put in the back of a pick-up truck”, he had been accepted and treated and transfused by our hospital and was sent in an ambulance, with an accompanying doctor and two nurses.

Whilst in this case, his ID had been ascertained (and we had informed his father in America), as a general rule, we do encourage everyone to carry some form of ID and details of next of kin (Thais have their ID card and foreigners have their passports or a copy of it). We are also willing to ‘pre-register’ your ID and next of kin and insurance details in our data bank, if you wish.

Along with his many friends in Pattaya, the Bangkok Hospital Pattaya wishes to extend its sympathies to his family, and we hope the understanding of the true situation will offer some comfort for the bereaved.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Surapant Taweewikayakarn MD

Assistant Director

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

[suiging]

extract from PATTAYA MAIL ( Pattaya's first English Language Newspaper) VOL XV No. 21 page 29 . This newspaper never tolerence gossip!

Ever had one of those Doctor Who moments ? You know, when the wavey lines appear and all is not as it seems in the world.

[Tammi]

When I reach the cashier, I see a balance due of about B1,000. I ask the cashier if there were a way to re-categorize the outpatient classification to have BUPA cover more of the bill. I got a look of scorn that only a katoey can give you. <g> (BTW, those of you who are regulars at BP-H know exactly who the cashier was...!) S/he glared at me, made a quiet phone call in Thai, then commanded me to have a seat until I was called back. After about 15 minutes, I was called back and s/he tossed the amended bill at me ... an amended bill that had a balance due of zero.

----- and my Internal Medicine doctor at BNH is Dr. Irene. I highly recommend ----

Yeah, I too have had dealings with this person at BHP and even though I was being very pleasant I got the 'long stare' and 'tossing of amended bill". BHP would do well to move this person to a position where she doesn't have contact with the public.

I too very much like Dr. Irene at Bangkok Nursing Home.

[Phil Conners]

...snip...there must have been hundreds, if not thousands of patients milling around on every floor, many lying on the floor in their own filth, all desperately awaiting allusive treatment from seemingly long absent doctors...snip...

Wow. Mobi that's an amazing statement. Has anyone else seen such things at Chonburi Hospital?

Instead of the perpetual doubt how about you go and look for yourself and find out how bad things can be here?

[thai_narak]

...snip...there must have been hundreds, if not thousands of patients milling around on every floor, many lying on the floor in their own filth, all desperately awaiting allusive treatment from seemingly long absent doctors...snip...

Wow. Mobi that's an amazing statement. Has anyone else seen such things at Chonburi Hospital?

Instead of the perpetual doubt how about you go and look for yourself and find out how bad things can be here?

be sure to go there before 3PM otherwise you won't see any doctors and nurses around.

[thai_narak]

Yeah, I too have had dealings with this person at BHP and even though I was being very pleasant I got the 'long stare' and 'tossing of amended bill". BHP would do well to move this person to a position where she doesn't have contact with the public.

I also noticed this man/woman. It amazed me sometimes how they can employe someone so rude!

[Barryz]

extract from PATTAYA MAIL ( Pattaya's first English Language Newspaper) VOL XV No. 21 page 29 . This newspaper never tolerence gossip!

He had lost a lot of blood and received 4 units while he was at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya. Our blood stocks are such that we can supply 99.9 percent of the emergency and our routine surgery needs, however the man's condition was such that he would need enormous quantities of blood. The closest hospital with access to large volumes is Chonburi Hospital, and after discussions with them, the medical team decided to transfer him to Chonburi Hospital for further treatment and surgery. The patient's medical condition dictated the urgent transfer, as it is not a simple matter of getting blood supplies from another hospital's blood bank. Administrative logistics within the public hospital system, and the need to cross-match against the patient's own blood, means that it would be quicker sending the patient to Chonburi, than getting permission for the blood to be released and then sent here for cross-match.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Surapant Taweewikayakarn MD

Assistant Director

Bangkok Hospital Pattaya.

Well, I'll butt back in here, if I may. I agree there is a wavy line here. This is the third statement I've read from the hospital, but they still haven't clarified the blood transfusion issue. Proper transportation of blood supplies is or can be an issue and I can understand if a hospital simply does not have the blood supplies of the right type, they might have to make a decision as to, 'which is going to be quicker, go through some complicated rigmarole and checking procedures for a specified quantity of blood which might prove to be too little?' .. or just send the patient to the blood supplies where he'll be able to get whatever quantity is required.

I get a sense from the extract from the hospital's statement (in bold) that the BPH might have had sufficient blood supplies to continue treating Matt whilst waiting for further blood supplies to be arranged. There is no statement to the effect that Matt's blood type was rare and that the BPH had already used up the small quantity they had in stock. Rather, I get the impression that the BHP did not want to deplete its entire stock of blood supplies of whatever type Matt's was.

It's a matter which needs clarifying, in my view. Most people would understand it is very risky to transport any patient unnecessarily who is suffering from internal bleeding. The hospital statements so far haven't really demonstrated that it was necessary to transport Matt to another hospital in oder to give him the best chance of surviving.

Perhaps revealing whether Matt's blood type was rare or not could be considered a matter of patient confidentiality.

[Phil Conners]

Perhaps revealing whether Matt's blood type was rare or not could be considered a matter of patient confidentiality.

I think that would be the last concern here....

[DeputyDawg]

I recall a relative already stating that Matt's blood type was not rare.. An explanation on why move the patient rather than the blood is needed, I do not believe that blood could not have been obtained from the different hospitals nearby, not necessarily all from one but from a number of the hospitals.

[Barryz]

I recall a relative already stating that Matt's blood type was not rare.. An explanation on why move the patient rather than the blood is needed, I do not believe that blood could not have been obtained from the different hospitals nearby, not necessarily all from one but from a number of the hospitals.

If it's true that Matt's blood type was not rare, then I think there's a major issue here which needs further clarification.

[thebounder]

I recall a relative already stating that Matt's blood type was not rare.. An explanation on why move the patient rather than the blood is needed, I do not believe that blood could not have been obtained from the different hospitals nearby, not necessarily all from one but from a number of the hospitals.

If it's true that Matt's blood type was not rare, then I think there's a major issue here which needs further clarification.

Barry, if you still have doubts as to the rights and wrongs of this situation, read the descriptions of the Chonburi Hospital provided by Mobi and myself (or go and visit the place) and then ask yourself whether you believe there are any circumstances in which BPH would have sent Matt there if they had known him to be well funded or insured.

Matt's injuries were hardly atypical for a motorcycle accident. So BPH appear to be saying they can't treat a typical victim of a serious motorcycle accident because to do so would deplete their reserves of blood. So one might properly ask, if that is the case, why do they pay SB to bring these very patients to them. As far as I am concerned their explanation simply doesn't hold water. They claim to have a trauma centre, but they can't handle a trauma patient cos he is bleeding too much, as if bleeding excessively is unusual for such a patient.

Someone might also ask how many times they have sent patients they know to be well funded or insured to Chonburi hospital whether due to a shortage of blood or otherwise.

[Barryz]

I recall a relative already stating that Matt's blood type was not rare.. An explanation on why move the patient rather than the blood is needed, I do not believe that blood could not have been obtained from the different hospitals nearby, not necessarily all from one but from a number of the hospitals.

If it's true that Matt's blood type was not rare, then I think there's a major issue here which needs further clarification.

Barry, if you still have doubts as to the rights and wrongs of this situation, read the descriptions of the Chonburi Hospital provided by Mobi and myself (or go and visit the place) and then ask yourself whether you believe there are any circumstances in which BPH would have sent Matt there if they had known him to be well funded or insured.

Matt's injuries were hardly atypical for a motorcycle accident. So BPH appear to be saying they can't treat a typical victim of a serious motorcycle accident because to do so would deplete their reserves of blood. So one might properly ask, if that is the case, why do they pay SB to bring these very patients to them. As far as I am concerned their explanation simply doesn't hold water. They claim to have a trauma centre, but they can't handle a trauma patient cos he is bleeding too much, as if bleeding excessively is unusual for such a patient.

Someone might also ask how many times they have sent patients they know to be well funded or insured to Chonburi hospital whether due to a shortage of blood or otherwise.

Well, clearly I'm not in a position to check out Chonburi hospital for myself. I'm in Australia. I do my best to stay well clear of hospitals. In fact, since I started reading this thread, I've stopped drinking my usual couple of bottles of wine a day, reduced my food intake in order to lose weight and started walking for an hour each day. I'm sh*t scared of ending up in hospital for any reason.

The situation with private hospitals seems a bit odd to me and I don't pretend to understand how they are run and structured and what policies they have in place with regard to emergency treatment of uninsured patients. Aren't they essentially businesses that are trying to make a profit for their shareholders?

We all like to think that you cannot put a price on a human life, yet the reality is that we have to put a price on a human life. It's done all the time. No country or institution has the resources to provide the maximum possible care without regard to expense for every person that needs it. There's often a practical cut-off point that is applied according to a set of policies and a reasoned judgement.

[thebounder]

I recall a relative already stating that Matt's blood type was not rare.. An explanation on why move the patient rather than the blood is needed, I do not believe that blood could not have been obtained from the different hospitals nearby, not necessarily all from one but from a number of the hospitals.

If it's true that Matt's blood type was not rare, then I think there's a major issue here which needs further clarification.

Barry, if you still have doubts as to the rights and wrongs of this situation, read the descriptions of the Chonburi Hospital provided by Mobi and myself (or go and visit the place) and then ask yourself whether you believe there are any circumstances in which BPH would have sent Matt there if they had known him to be well funded or insured.

Matt's injuries were hardly atypical for a motorcycle accident. So BPH appear to be saying they can't treat a typical victim of a serious motorcycle accident because to do so would deplete their reserves of blood. So one might properly ask, if that is the case, why do they pay SB to bring these very patients to them. As far as I am concerned their explanation simply doesn't hold water. They claim to have a trauma centre, but they can't handle a trauma patient cos he is bleeding too much, as if bleeding excessively is unusual for such a patient.

Someone might also ask how many times they have sent patients they know to be well funded or insured to Chonburi hospital whether due to a shortage of blood or otherwise.

Well, clearly I'm not in a position to check out Chonburi hospital for myself. I'm in Australia. I do my best to stay well clear of hospitals. In fact, since I started reading this thread, I've stopped drinking my usual couple of bottles of wine a day, reduced my food intake in order to lose weight and started walking for an hour each day. I'm sh*t scared of ending up in hospital for any reason.

The situation with private hospitals seems a bit odd to me and I don't pretend to understand how they are run and structured and what policies they have in place with regard to emergency treatment of uninsured patients. Aren't they essentially businesses that are trying to make a profit for their shareholders?

We all like to think that you cannot put a price on a human life, yet the reality is that we have to put a price on a human life. It's done all the time. No country or institution has the resources to provide the maximum possible care without regard to expense for every person that needs it. There's often a practical cut-off point that is applied according to a set of policies and a reasoned judgement.

I hear what you say in relation to private hospitals being businesses operating for profit. However, when it comes to saving lives it can't all be about money. Moreover, and very importantly, this hospital pays the operators of rescue vehicles to bring them accident victims. Thus they choose to put themselves in the position of being primary care provider and to my mind, having done so, they should not then be able to turn these victims away, irrespective of their financial circumstances. If they don't want to provide proper emergency care to these victims then they should stop offering money to the operators of rescue vehicles in return for bringing them to their door.

[EmCross]

Hallelujah! Thank you all (including BarryZ) this is exactly what I believe this discussion is all about and the questions that should be asked and answered for all the people living and visiting Pattaya.

[MP5]

Moreover, and very importantly, this hospital pays the operators of rescue vehicles to bring them accident victims. (un-quote)

I find this statement very hard to believe the Sawang Boriboon is a volunteer organistion

I just cannot believe a so called bounty is paid to the volunteers or the organisation.

I think this is another misconception being thrown around again causing more confusion.

When individuals who have stated their own genuine complaints why have you not contacted the international department of this hospital and asked them to liaise aren't they there for that?

[thai_narak]

(qoute) Moreover, and very importantly, this hospital pays the operators of rescue vehicles to bring them accident victims. (un-quote)

I find this statement very hard to believe the Sawang Boriboon is a volunteer organistion

I just cannot believe a so called bounty is paid to the volunteers or the organisation.

I think this is another misconception being thrown around again causing more confusion.

When individuals who have stated their own genuine complaints why have you not contacted the international department of this hospital and asked them to liaise aren't they there for that?

It's true, believe it or not... the SB recue team are getting certain amount of money if they bring patient to BPH and many thai people know about this. I have been discussing this to my wife and she reckon that if the patient has no insurance at least there should be someone with him/her to sign some document before the patient is finally treated, maybe something like a guarantor. she also told that she knew someone (thai person) that have been nearly denied in BPH because he doesn't have insurance and he has to call his employer just to guarantee that he can pay the bill. this negotiation happened in the ER while he (his head) was bleeding to death. I think, if Matt came with someone who can sign whatever that document they ask the guarantor to sign this story would have been different.

[Barryz]

I hear what you say in relation to private hospitals being businesses operating for profit. However, when it comes to saving lives it can't all be about money. Moreover, and very importantly, this hospital pays the operators of rescue vehicles to bring them accident victims. Thus they choose to put themselves in the position of being primary care provider and to my mind, having done so, they should not then be able to turn these victims away, irrespective of their financial circumstances. If they don't want to provide proper emergency care to these victims then they should stop offering money to the operators of rescue vehicles in return for bringing them to their door.

This practice of paying operators to bring accident victims to the BPH hospital also needs further explanation. I sense here that there's a lot of discrimination going on. Does the hospital pay for absolutely anyone to be brought to them? Thais at the bottom of the income scale; beggars sitting by the roadside who happen to get in the way of a vehicle?

Is it possible there's an unwritten rule that only farangs and people who appear to be well-heeled are brought to them. If this is the case, it might seem like pretty awful discrimination, but at least it ensures that any of you ex-pats living in Pattaya are taken to the BPH instead of the Chonburi.

If it is true that Matt was despatched to the Chonburi because he didn't have medical insurance (a fact which hasn't been established, I believe), then without that system of the BPH paying operators to bring accident victims to them, it's quite likely that Matt could have been taken first to the Chonburi irrespective of whether he had medical insurance or not.

In such circumstances, we could have a situation where the Chonburi hospital would fix up the patient to the best of their ability (which isn't a great ability by all accounts) then despatch the patient to the BPH on the basis he would get better treatment there because he was insured. If the patient subsequently died in transit, would you be equally outraged?

[Phil Conners]

Is it possible there's an unwritten rule that only farangs and people who appear to be well-heeled are brought to them. If this is the case, it might seem like pretty awful discrimination, but at least it ensures that any of you ex-pats living in Pattaya are taken to the BPH instead of the Chonburi.

If it is true that Matt was despatched to the Chonburi because he didn't have medical insurance (a fact which hasn't been established, I believe), then without that system of the BPH paying operators to bring accident victims to them, it's quite likely that Matt could have been taken first to the Chonburi irrespective of whether he had medical insurance or not.

In such circumstances, we could have a situation where the Chonburi hospital would fix up the patient to the best of their ability (which isn't a great ability by all accounts) then despatch the patient to the BPH on the basis he would get better treatment there because he was insured. If the patient subsequently died in transit, would you be equally outraged?

I feel you don't really know anything about Pattaya - do you?

There are several government hospitals nearer than Chonburi - Banglamung, Si Racha, Sattahip for starters ... plus several less expensive (and less greedy) private hospitals (PIC, Memorial in Pattaya, for starters, a couple more in Si Racha).

Si Racha and Sattahip are both half the distance than Chonburi.

With your lack of knowledge of this area, with respect, what is your interest in this discussion?

Edited May 29, 2007 by Phil Conners

[chindanai]

I am Mr Matt's student at BEST Burapa school. I miss him so much. I want to know the truck of what company that hit him.

Good bye ,

I love him

Chindanai

[chindanai]