I AM the widow of the patient mentioned in last Friday's report ('Patient at NUH for brain scan falls to his death').
I would like to set the record right concerning the insensitive and irresponsible reference in the report that my husband 'had a history of mental illness'.
I wish to categorically refute any claim that my husband had a history of mental illness. Throughout his life, he had never been referred to, consulted or confined to any mental institution.
At a time of deep grief, my family had to endure added injury by having to explain to well-wishers that my husband never had a period of mental illness before or after he was admitted to the National University Hospital (NUH) voluntarily for a medical examination recently.
Given the report's prominence, I am extremely disturbed by the impact of this callous statement on the future image of my husband's family members, especially his children.
The Straits Times owes my husband and his family at least a prominent apology.
On the day my husband died, my family and I were told by NUH that he walked out of the room midway during a brain scan and threw himself out of the window.
Despite our disbelief and protest, no explanation or details were offered.
We were also discouraged from visiting the site where my husband reportedly fell. Reluctantly, we left the hospital with many doubts.
Imagine the shock and agony when my family read details of my husband's death in the newspaper two days later.
It is humiliating that his immediate family learnt these details not from his caregivers at NUH but from the newspaper, along with complete strangers who read the news the same day.
NUH could have been completely honest and forthcoming with us from the onset. NUH owes my husband and his family an apology.
Lastly, regardless of what was going through my husband's mind before his death, the report in the papers exposed a glaring lapse in procedures on patient security at NUH.
The actual circumstances of how and why my husband died will come to light at the Coroner's hearing. He should not have died in vain. The Ministry of Health should ensure that such an incident never happens again.
Chua Lay Tin (Madam)
Editor's note
OUR report, which said The Straits Times understands that Mr David Low had a history of mental illness, was based on two sources. The reporter had tried to interview Mr Low's family, but they declined. We note what Madam Chua Lay Tin and the hospital now say, and apologise for the inaccuracy in the report which has added to the family's grief.
But the thing is, why he jump?
RIP.
sounds like a murder case.
Jump, push or fall?
what answers does the widow want?
Her husband suddenly jump down and died. The hospital staff also don't know him and don't know why he did that so they can't give him any answers.
Even though she is sad of his death, she should not vent her frustrations on other innocent people
RIP.