MY father has been treated at Kuala Lumpur Hospital for the past two years for cancer.

On more than two occasions we were caught in traffic jams within the hospital premises. Ambulances with sirens blaring were also stuck in the traffic. Why aren’t there are no dedicated routes for ambulances.

To take my father for his check-ups, our family needs at least two people: one to drive the car, and another to accompany him to the clinic while the driver looks for a parking spot.

When my dad was admitted once for for two weeks, I spent RM10 daily on parking fees. My mother who took care of him at night also had to pay a large sum. The bad parking system forces many visitors to double park in the hospital roads, thus causing a traffic congestion.

Dropping off the patient at the oncology unit is difficult as there is no space for the car to stop. Usually we just switch on our signal lights and stop at the side of the road. This blocks traffic behind us, and is also hazardous as motorcyclists may not see my father alighting. Similarly, it is also difficult when we have to pick him up. I have to walk to my car parked far away while my father has to wait alone in the wheelchair at the entrance of the oncology unit. And if I had borrowed the wheelchair from the clinic, it would mean that I would have to leave him unattended in the car while I run in to return the wheelchair.

The procedure to admit my father into the ward is also cumbersome. If the doctor says that it is necessary to admit him, I have to run across the street to another building to register his admittance. This is the reason that whenever he has to go to hospital, at least two family members have to be present: one to register him and the other to accompany him to the ward.

Can someone set things right?

Sharon Natasha Pious
Petaling Jaya

Source: The Sun – February 27, 2009