A concerned mother from Tiavi has sent a formal complaint via email to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health regarding the treatment her child received at Moto’otua Hospital.

She said the experience caused “significant distress” and urged urgent attention.

Maria Eti-Samoa said when she arrived at the hospital around 12:00 pm on 23 February, a doctor asked whether she wanted her daughter to receive IV treatment or start on Augmentin, explaining that the medication would work more slowly. Maria chose the prescription because she was alone with her children and could not manage an IV treatment by herself, as her husband is overseas. 

She also mentioned that her 10-year-old child had not eaten, and since she had no one to stay with her sick four-year-old, she felt the prescription was the best option under the circumstances. She was advised to return to the hospital if  her daughter's condition did not improve 

Later that night, around 11:00 pm, she returned to the hospital as her daughter’s condition had not improved. She was attended by a staff member, although she was unsure whether he was a doctor or a nurse. Maria said he questioned her about why she had not agreed to the IV treatment earlier.

“I tried to explain my situation and the reasons why I was unable to proceed with the IV treatment at that time, but I felt that my explanation was not taken into consideration. I felt that my concerns were not taken seriously, and the manner in which I was treated caused me significant distress and dissatisfaction,” Maria said.

“He then directed us to the back door, going through the emergency rooms of the hospital, where I was left standing in the hallway with my daughter in my arms without any assistance. Given her condition, she could barely walk and needed to be laid down, yet no bed or chair was provided. We were left without support while nurses walked past us, some rolling their eyes, which made me feel extremely unwelcome and uncomfortable simply advocating for my child's care.

“Furthermore, is this the kind of behaviour we are now receiving from doctors and nurses? Is this hospital even a haven for us locals? I am writing this letter because this kind of treatment is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. I believe this situation reflects a serious issue that requires review and corrective action to ensure that other patients do not experience similar 

After standing in the hallway for approximately 30 minutes with no assistance, Maria decided to leave. A nurse eventually approached her, apologised for the earlier mistreatment, and provided a new prescription with a scribbled signature and the name “Stula,” which Maria said was incorrect and improperly documented. She noted that he offered no apology and was reportedly observed laughing with colleagues.

She noted that, while one nurse apologised for the earlier mistreatment, she did not receive proper care overall. “I am not writing this letter to criticise the dedication of healthcare professionals, but rather to express my concern that no patient or family should have to endure such an experience,” she added. The mother has called on the Ministry of Health to investigate the matter.

Despite everything, she said her daughter eventually received the medical help she needed and is now recovering well.