The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) said it remains ready to serve all patients seeking its care, amid a viral social media post.
In a statement released on Monday, 11 Aug., EAMC said the recent viral post concerning one of its patients calls for the improvement of its hospital processes.
"Our top priority remains to be the health and well-being of all our patients, through professional and compassionate conduct among all our frontline healthcare providers," EAMC said.
The hospital made the statement after Shaira Bugarin, whose father died on 25 July, shared her frustrations online, accusing EAMC of negligence that she claims contributed to his death.
Bugarin alleged that her father's condition worsened during his two-month confinement at EAMC. She also claimed that his surgery was delayed, doctors were scarce, and hospital departments seemed out of sync.
Bugarin further criticized the conduct of some hospital staff, claiming they appeared disengaged, chatted casually while on duty, and mishandled her father's oxygen supply.
"The loss of a loved one brings about unbearable pain. This pain may be magnified by social media, especially as the bereaved seeks answers," the hospital said.
"We take grief seriously, and that includes anger directed at what could have been handled better, especially regarding patient care," it added.
EAMC extended its deepest sympathies to Bugarin's family and maintained that it "rendered the standard of care needed by a patient in an advanced stage of illness."
It also said it is already investigating the patient and his family's experience.
"We are open to — and we sincerely hope for — constructive dialogue, so that we can all heal."