Chapter 47 Slander
The following day, a nurse called out to Sabrina when she arrived at the hospital. “We’ve got a problem, Dr. Tucker.”
“What happened?”
“The patient you operated on yesterday suddenly took a turn for the worse this morning. We couldn’t save him, and he had passed away.”
Sabrina furrowed her brow and headed to the patient’s room. The young nurse quickly grabbed her arm.
“Mr. Walker told me to wait for you here and keep you from going in. You should head back today and avoid the situation for now. The patient’s family’s causing a stir.”
Sabrina recalled that the surgery was a success yesterday. In fact, it wasn’t a complicated operation. She had even advised the patient’s family about what to watch out for and told them that the patient should be able to wake up and eat normally within the next two days if all went well.
But after just one night, the patient suddenly had complications. Despite the efforts, the patient couldn’t pull through and passed away. How did that happen? “I’ll check out what’s going on.”
Sabrina performed the surgery, so she couldn’t step aside at this critical moment. More importantly, she also wanted to know how a patient, who was doing fine, would suddenly die.
A crowd had gathered outside the room. Inside, the patient’s family hysterically cried and demanded an explanation from the hospital. They insisted that Sabrina was negligent and unqualified, so she should never have been hired as a doctor.
Sabrina made her way through the crowd and slowly walked in.
“How dare you show up?” When Charles Gardner saw Sabrina, his blood started to boil.
With bloodshot eyes, he stormed over to her and pointed his finger at her nose before snapping, “You’re a terrible doctor. You killed Dad, and you need to pay for it. You have to take responsibility.”
Sabrina held herself upright and fixed her sharp gaze on Charles‘ tearful face. “If I’m at fault, I’ll take responsibility. But Mr. Gardner, Eric’s surgery went very well yesterday. I even advised you what to look out for afterward. Did you follow my advice?”
“We did everything you told us to do. As a doctor, you’d surely say the operation was a success. When Dad was brought to the hospital, he was perfectly fine. Now that he’s dead, you have to take responsibility for it.
“I was told you didn’t graduate from a proper medical college and have no prior surgery experience. How do you have the qualifications to treat patients? “You’re an incompetent doctor, and you killed Dad. It’s your fault, and the hospital needs to be held accountable as well.”
If the situation of Eric Gardner’s death escalated, Heartland Hospital’s reputation would take a serious hit.
Troy reached out to the hospital director. The hospital had locked down the news and sent staff to clear the crowd.
“I hit the nail on the head, didn’t I? Are you feeling uneasy now? Nobody’s leaving. If the hospital doesn’t give me an explanation, what I went through could happen to any of you.”
Charles‘ words stirred up fear in those nearby. People came here to get better and save their lives. Nobody wanted to end up dead after visiting the hospital. “That’s right. What’s going on? A hospital can’t be reckless with human lives. They got to give us some answers.”
“Who would ever come to this hospital for treatment again?”
“I saw him doing well after the surgery yesterday. I can’t believe he was gone by the morning. It’s so frightening.”
“No kidding. I spoke to him before surgery. He was healthy and just over 80 years old. He has no major health issues except for that tumor. What a shame.” Seeing that everyone was getting riled up, Charles started making an even bigger scene. He grabbed Sabrina by the collar, his emotions boiling over.
“If the hospital doesn’t do something, I’ll make her pay for Dad’s life today.”
Before Sabrina could react, Troy suddenly rushed over and yanked Charles‘ hand away.
“Calm down, Mr. Gardner. We can talk things out. If the hospital is at fault, you’ll get a proper explanation.”
“Yes, he’s right. If the blame isn’t with the hospital but someone’s malicious intent, will you own up to your actions and apologize publicly for slandering me, Mr. Gardner?”
Charles was met with Sabrina’s confident and sharp gaze. A hint of diffidence crossed his eyes.
