"Post surgical care"

A few weeks ago, I underwent a Hiatus Herna Repair at Bunbury Regional Hospital. The admission staff were very professional and caring. The pre surgery department staff were also very professional.  However was very concerned when I observed people who were not patients using the same toilet as patients who were prepped for surgery, they seem to be visitors of patients in the day Surgery.

All preceded well until I entered the waiting room to be prepared for Surgery. I was greeted respectfully and calmly by staff who would be part of the surgery team, except for the Anesthetist who I felt was rushing and speaking disrespectfully. About to go into surgery this gave me a feeling of uncertainty and distress. Entering the surgical ward, I was again greeted calming and respectfully by the team except for the Anesthetist, I felt they spoke disrespectfully again without warning pain up my arm to which I responded a loud " ow that hurt" then they said, " a little sting". That was alarming.

I spent 2 nights in the surgical ward. I felt cared for and safe most of the time.

They were short staffed and very busy so a couple of times care could have been better. When staff are rushing I believe one feels concerned. I was able to do things for myself mostly.

The day I was to be discharged a staff member came to my bed and said you will be going home today so we would like you to get ready and sit in the waiting lounge. I asked how long it would take and was told about 2 hours. It was now about 12 midday. I informed the person I felt I could not sit up that long. I had had major abdominal surgery and Pneumonia only 48 hrs. ago and was in a lot of pain and uncomfortable. I was still spending most of my time laying down. After eating some lunch, I got myself ready and laid on my bed. My friend came to collect me about 2pm, as per the information I was given, he had driven 50 kls. We waited and waited nobody came. I knew I needed my Scheduled Antibiotics, but nobody came. We went to find a nurse about 3.30 and ask what was happening. Eventually a nurse came with discharge papers, so I asked for my meds which they checked and administered.

A person from the Pharmaceutical dept came to explain the scripts I needed for discharge.  

There was no explanation of the discharge papers. I asked if someone could explain at least my physical restrictions after the surgery. The nurse said they would get the doctor. Another hour later nobody came. I was very tired hadn't had enough rest and had a 45 min trip home. Scripts to collect at pharmacy and liquid diet meant I had to go home to prepare food.

There had been no assistance offered for my discharge, there was no way I could have walked to the car park. My friend went to ask for a wheelchair, not long after someone came to assist.

By the time I got home it was 6pm, I was in pain exhausted and hungry, all I could manage to do was get into bed.