Gilad Kimel

Barbara Burnet

Dr. Kimel and Nurse Sarah Cobb refused to admit my 96-year old mother to the palliative care ward TWICE-May 31 and June 29, 2016 because "she wasn't actively dying". I was told she had to wait for extended care. She died July 6 after 3 months of emotional and physical suffering, pain and steady decline. She did get to the palliative ward July 5-she never opened her eyes or received any of the "comfort care" that was promised for months. These two directors of the palliative care ward misjudged her pain and were also insensitive and dismissive to me. I was the primary caregiver (in obvious distress as well) so I complained to the administration. I believe my mother was rejected for admission to the palliative ward by Kimel and Cobb because she was a "difficult and disruptive" patient and I had become "difficult and disruptive" to them as well. The administration did give me hearings in July last year. I now doubt they REALLY read my 10 page letter documenting my mother's decline in the hospital with all my interactions and emails to Kimel and Cobb. I think I was again dismissed as someone who is grieving-my memories not accurate. I had 9 recommendations in my report. The first 5 were directed to the doctors involved in the first admission to hospital in April. The last 5 were directed to Kimel and Cobb. 6. To Kimel-Do not immediately CONTRADICT another doctor's prognosis-especially when it is regarding whether or not the paitient is derserving of palliative care. And if you do disagree-EXPLAIN YOURSELF clearly. 7. To Kimel-Don't be flippant and say things "Well I can't give her more medications to hasten her death if that's what you're asking" IN THE HALLWAY. Take the burnt-out caregiver to a quiet room. Listen to the history from their perspective and explain why you think their 96-year old bedridden, anxious, unhappy, suffering mother who is "howling like an animal in a trap" IS NOT DYING? 8. To Sarah Cobb-Don't say things like "We won't take her to palliative care ward because we'll just have to move her again to Extended Care" (she died shortly after this statement). Don't stare blankly at the burnt-out caregiver when they say to you in desperation "My mother told me that this is a cruel death!!". Again-don't give this message IN THE HALLWAY. And don't try to get away with passing on these rejections through the Social Worker. At least call the burnt-out-caregiver on the phone yourself. (I now realize you didn't want to talk to me at all-you wanted to get away for the long weekend. ). 9. To Kimel-(after my mom died). Don't try to deflect the blame to others' "substandard care" and make excuses for your misjusdgements. Don't dismiss the burnt-out caregiver's opinions and perceptions. Especially after their mother died without the promised "comfort care". My mother should not have suffered and died in the manner I described in my letter. My mother should have been admitted to the Palliative Ward MUCH EARLIER. As the primary caregiver in obvious distress-I should not have been treated by Kimel and Cobb in the manner described in my letter.

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