A 90-year-old great-grandma was refused treatment at her local hospital, claiming she was too old for the treatment. A woman at the age of 90 was told by Goulburn Base Hospital, located between Sydney and Canberra, that she was ‘too old for surgery,’ as reported by 9News.
According to the media report, the 90-year-old woman Alicia was diagnosed with skin cancer and required surgery as it impacted her quality of life. Alicia is affected by cancer on the back of her head and hands. Due to these conditions, she had to wear gloves to protect her hands. 9News reported that the hospital claimed they would not refuse to treat anyone based on age.
Meanwhile, Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD), in a statement, said that it is committed to providing high-quality, safe, compassionate care to all members of the community, regardless of their age. ‘Due to the complex nature of the treatment required on this occasion, a decision was made in the best interests of the patient to refer them to a higher-level facility where a plastic surgeon was available,’ it further stated.
