Negligence in swine flu death: family
Sent home twice from hospital ER
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 | 5:25 PM PT
CBC News
An investigation has been launched into one of B.C.'s latest swine flu deaths as the family of the asthmatic victim alleges negligence on the part of Richmond Hospital.
Mae Mah, 51, of Richmond, went to the emergency room Oct. 31 while suffering an asthma attack and was treated by doctors and sent home, her family told CBC News.
Mae Mah died in hospital after twice being sent home after complaining of shortness of breath. (CBC) The next day, Mah had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance after experiencing shortness of breath, this time accompanied by fever. Doctors gave her Tylenol and again sent her home.
Later on Nov. 1, Mah collapsed at home and was again taken by ambulance to hospital.
Doctors admitted Mah to the intensive care unit and put her on a ventilator. She died later that day.
The hospital later told the family Mah, a chronic asthmatic, had the H1N1 virus.
"Deep down, I'm angry and frustrated that this had to happen to my mom," said Mah's daughter, Tiffany Yung, 22.
"She phoned me and she was joking around with me and saying, 'I'm not dead yet,' and, 'I'll see you soon.' But I never saw her again, alive," said Yung.
'I think they were negligent'
The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority — in charge of Richmond Hospital — said an investigation of Mah's case is underway.
"The purpose of the review is to ensure that care was provided appropriately," said authority spokeswoman Maureen Malanchuk.
Mae Mah's daughter, Tiffany Yung, believes her mother's case was not handled properly. (CBC) Yung believes her mother's case was bungled.
"I think they were negligent," she said. "I think they should have done something differently."
Malanchuk said she expects the review of Mah's case to be completed by the end of the week.
