It is understandable that during COVID-19 there will be strict rules and laws all around Singapore.
The family was called in by Assisi Hospice staff on 21st April 2021 to say goodbyes to a loving grandfather. Family members rushed down to the Hospice but were denied entry by the security guard. Saying that it is the Hospice’s rule to only allow up to 6 people at one time due to COVID-19.
The family knew that at other hospitals or medical facilities in Singapore, a doctor or the management has the right to make a temporary exception and allow family members to visit their family member who is on the deathbed.
However, even after a heated argument with the security, he refuses to call management for further advice. The family knew that there is little chance that they will be allowed to have more than 6 pax in the ward but they were sad because the staff on duty did not even try.
The security guard said “No more than 6 for visiting”
A family member responded “we are not here for visiting we are here to say goodbye”
Another family member responded to the security guard “what if it is your father that is in the ward”
The security officer had the cheek to say “Only management can allow more than 6” instead of contacting the management.
The family is disappointed and disgusted with the behavior of the security staff as he did not even bother to try.
The security guard who was pressured called another security guard(who was of no help) instead of dialing a number from the management and try.
The family who shared the information said that:
“Rules are fixed, humans are flexible. If the staff has no compassion he or she should not be even working in or near any healthcare facility.“
“We can have over a hundred unrelated people crammed up in public transport like the MRT or several dozens on the bus and we can even have 8 unrelated pax eating in the restaurant at a single table with many others in the same area. but we cannot visit a dying family member. “
“We are not angry because we can’t have more than 6 pax in the ward, we are angry because the staff’s bo chap can’t be bothered attitude“