The Emergency Medical Rescue Services, EMRS, strike in the area which is in its second week, is taking it’s toll.  A father told the Courier yesterday how his young daughter – who is in urgent need of a blood transfusion – was denied transfer by ambulance to Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.

The teenager was told by a private doctor that a blood transfusion is urgent as she has a blood disorder that is infecting her vital organs.  This was to have been done on Saturday but up until, no ambulances have been running.

The father said he was bitterly frustrated and worried.  “The attitude from the hospital was also unhelpful.  They refused for me to take my daughter’s medical file which is required should I take her to Greys privately.  They should no empathy whatsoever.  I do not who to turn to.”

The Hospital Board was contacted but there appeared to be confusion as to who exactly is currently serving on the board.