Serious questions regarding the management of patients on the autism spectrum within the public healthcare system have been raised by a family following a road accident on Saturday, May 2.
The accident occurred on the road from Geri towards the Leroy Merlin roundabout. According to a public post by a relative, the vehicle was carrying two children (aged 2.5 and nearly 7), their mother, and another woman. All four were injured and transported to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of the General Hospital.
Lack of specialized management at A&E
The family’s complaint focuses specifically on the treatment of the eldest child, who is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal. They allege that the medical staff was not adequately prepared to manage such a case.
The child was reportedly in a state of shock and extreme agitation. The family claims that due to a lack of sufficient support from specialized staff, relatives were forced to physically restrain the child themselves to prevent further injury or interference with medical equipment.
Delays in diagnostic testing
Further grievances involve significant delays in performing essential medical examinations. The family notes that:
- Standard procedures, such as CT scans and X-rays, were delayed.
- It reportedly took 6 to 7 hours for an anesthesiologist to be called to administer sedation, which was necessary for the non-verbal child to undergo the scans safely.
- The family did, however, speak positively of the anesthesiologists’ conduct and professional stance once they arrived.
Issues at Makarios Hospital
Following initial treatment, both children were transferred to Makarios Hospital for 48-hour observation. However, the family alleges that:
- Staff were not sufficiently briefed on the child’s autism or specific needs.
- The children were placed in a shared ward with an infant, which added to the stress of the situation.
- Difficulties continued during subsequent procedures, such as blood tests, where relatives again had to restrain the child without adequate hospital assistance.
Call for systemic reform
The family describes the experience as “deeply traumatic,” stating that the administrative and medical handling exacerbated the distress caused by the accident itself. They are calling for immediate improvements in the health system, specifically regarding:
- Staff Training: Better education for medical personnel on handling patients with autism and special needs.
- Emergency Protocols: The creation and implementation of clear protocols for special needs patients in emergency settings.
- Inter-hospital Coordination: Improved communication and briefing during patient transfers.
- Staffing Levels: Ensuring enough personnel are available to support vulnerable patients.
The family concluded their appeal by asking for greater empathy and specialized care to prevent other families from undergoing similar experiences.
Photos from the accident:
