ICYMI: ‘I felt helpless’: Mother with expired health card told to pay out of pocket for son’s visit at Scarborough hospital
Sophia, whose full name is being withheld due to safety reasons, brought her toddler to Scarborough Health Network’s Kids After Hours Clinic last Tuesday evening after he developed a fever of 107 degrees.
Sophia, who only recently returned to work after maternity leave and is struggling to make ends meet, is also alleging that staff at SHN did not treat her properly during this highly distressing ordeal. “We do not refuse to see patients without a valid health card, including if it’s expired,” Duncan said, adding SHN does not refuse service to “patients in need,” even if their health card is expired.
After contacting Community Angels Toronto, a grassroots network based in the city’s east end that helps bridge gaps, for assistance, the mother and son were able to take an Uber to SickKids where he was seen several hours later without issue, Sophia said. The child is now doing okay.“I can’t believe was turned away because of an expired OHIP card. She was treated poorly, like a second-class citizen.”“Everyone in healthcare is stressed out. This is such an unfortunate situation,” she added.