"My story is about my surgery at the hospital"

I’d like to share some honest feedback regarding my recent hand surgery at Fremantle Hospital recently.

Overall, the care I received during the surgery itself was good—staff were respectful, the anaesthetist and surgeon were professional, and I felt well looked after. However, there were a few areas that I felt could be improved:

•Pre-op communication: I was admitted at 11:00 AM but didn’t go into surgery until nearly 4:00 PM. While I understand delays can happen, I feel that clearer communication about expected wait times would have helped manage expectations—especially when fasting all day.

•Nursing support: The nurse assigned to me seemed inexperienced and lacked confidence when taking vital signs. While polite and respectful, they appeared unsure, particularly when handling low blood pressure readings.

•Post-op communication: I did not have an opportunity to speak with my surgeon post-surgery, which left me uncertain about my recovery timeline and return to work. I had to chase up my own medical certificate, which I felt lacked detail, had no official stamp or signature, and didn’t clearly state that it was related to surgery.

•Discharge information: Instructions were vague and at times confusing (e.g. references to leg swelling after hand surgery). There was no clear guidance on when to remove bandages or take medications. I had to rely on online information to guide my recovery.

I am recovering well and grateful for the care received overall, but I hope this feedback helps improve clarity and consistency for future patients.