The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has issued an apology following complaints about treatment in its Emergency Department, after a patient’s family shared their experience on social media.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the hospital said it was “deeply sorry” that any patient or family might feel dismissed or uncertain about the seriousness of their condition.

It acknowledged that steps should have been taken to properly assess and communicate with patients on the night in question.

Hospital officials noted that, like many medical institutions worldwide, the Emergency Department occasionally faces staffing challenges. During such times, the statement said, the triage process becomes “even more acute,” with urgent and life-threatening cases prioritised for care.

SLBMC assured the public that measures are being taken to strengthen systems and staffing to reduce the impact of these pressures on patients and families. The hospital also confirmed that the concerns raised are being addressed internally.

“We remain committed to providing the care and communication our patients and families deserve,” the statement concluded.