Hockey great finally gets hospital bed
Brian Sta Maria spent days in UMMC’s emergency unit before doctors moved him to a two-bed ward this afternoon.
Former Malaysian hockey star Brian Sta Maria finally received a hospital bed after enduring several challenging days in the emergency unit of Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). The 76-year-old Olympic veteran fell at his Petaling Jaya home and was then admitted to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with a hairline fracture in his spine, causing him significant discomfort.
Sta Maria's wife, Elaine Lam, expressed immense relief at the move to a ward, noting that it brought peace after a period of uncertainty. Her gratitude extended to Noorul Ariffin, former chairman of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb), who had intervened to arrange the better accommodation for her husband. Elaine credited FMT and Noorul for their support, emphasizing her thanks to all who had extended concern and prayers for Sta Maria during his ordeal.
Noorul, who remains committed to assisting athletes in dire need of medical help, particularly those facing critical health issues, reiterated that no athlete should be left waiting for urgent support. The family chose UMMC due to its proximity to their residence. Sta Maria, who has a history of medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease and a pacemaker, as well as heart issues treated at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, had previously competed for Malaysia in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1975 World Cup, where the team secured a fourth-place finish.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
