Anderson, S.C.-based AnMed Health Medical Center placed a discharged homeless patient in an Uber with no final destination set other than a nearby pharmacy, reports The Greenville News.
The Uber driver, Chris Wilson, picked up 59-year-old Tambralyn Hill from the hospital Oct. 26. Staff members transferred Ms. Hill — wearing only a hospital gown — from a wheelchair into the back of his car. When Mr. Wilson asked where to take Ms. Hill after stopping at a nearby pharmacy, a nurse suggested he try a nearby homeless shelter.
"They couldn't tell me anything about where this woman was going," Mr. Wilson told The Greenville News. "I was a little bit surprised, but at the same time, I kept thinking to myself, this lady needs help, I need to help this woman get somewhere safe."
Mr. Wilson ended up taking Ms. Hill to her sister's house, who is also elderly and uses a wheelchair. Several days after her discharge, Ms. Hill fell and was transported back to the hospital via ambulance.
The hospital is reviewing the circumstances around Ms. Hill's discharge, Lizz Walker, a spokesperson for AnMed Health, told The Greenville News.
"It is our policy to provide assistance and support for patients upon discharge based on their need and request," she said in a statement. "While we stand ready to connect patients with many types of assistance, including transportation, prescription access, food, and housing, we also respect the patient's right to choose when and how they access these services."