WRONG END

I recently called the Neurology Ward accidentally when I actually wanted the Nephrology Ward. The staff who picked up the phone said, “Oh, sorry. Sini kepala, bukan kencing.”

IS THAT A NERVE?

After a combined meeting with the Orthopaedic & Pathology Departments, our Consultant, Prof F, mentioned that one of the Orthopaedic Consultants should have been a Neurologist. One would have thought that the bone surgeon has the mind of a physician, but it turned out that his name is Prof Saraf.

SAY WHAT?

A 70 plus year old Chinese uncle with throat cancer & depression was seen at the Psychiatric clinic not long after he was discharged from the Oncology Ward. He was noted to have frequent vomiting, poor oral intake & generalised body weakness. The Psychiatric doctor who saw the patient decided to admit him to the Oncology Ward.

At Grand Ward Round the next day, the staff nurse-in-charge presented the case to the Consultant & his team, comprising of specialists, medical officers & other medical personnel.

Everyone was awaken (especially those who were sleeping/ falling asleep) when the staff nurse said, “This patient has oropharyngeal carcinoma & he is admitted for sterilization.”

The Psychiatric doctor had written the plan as “to admit patient for stabilization” & the nurse had read it wrongly.

JUST IN CASE

An ex-colleague of mine, who is now a physician in Miri Hospital, was referred a case from the Orthopaedic Ward. The patient, a very frail 80 year old lady, was admitted for a hip fracture. My friend was amused & irate at the same time as the reason for referral was “in case the patient dies of unknown medical cause”.