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Lack of sensitivity and privacy.

Posted By shuddernf47

"Lack of sensitivity and privacy."

About: Bunbury Hospital

(as the patient),

I was in a four bed ward in with an obstructed bowel. Had been nil by mouth for three days. A meal was set in front of me. A group of people Including a surgeon, staff and maybe family members came to the bed opposite me and at length told the patient the team had agreed there was nothing more they could do for them. I recall they told them they should go home and enjoy what time they had left. I found it was very insensitive to deliver this news in a four bed ward, with just a curtain almost drawn around his bed. Three others, strangers, could all clearly hear this and feel like they were invading privacy. I found the food in front of me turned to dust as I thought of that patient. It was very distressing. Surely, crowded as they were there was a space somewhere that could have given that patient the dignity of some privacy. I could not, did not, eat. I felt sorry for the staff who were caring for me and the other patients as this happened. 

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Responses

Response from Karen Horsley, Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS - South West last month
Karen Horsley
Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS - South West

Stream B includes: Surgical, Maternity, Paeds, Theatre, DPU, Waitlist and HSSU

Submitted on 21/07/2025 at 4:54 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 22/07/2025 at 9:37 AM

picture of Karen Horsley

Dear shuddernf47

I truly hope you're now finding some comfort and healing following your recent experience with a bowel obstruction. Moments like these are difficult enough, and you deserved every possible effort to ensure your care was delivered with privacy, respect, and compassion.

We deeply regret that sensitive news for another patient was shared within the confines of a four-bedded room where others could overhear. While our teams strive to speak with sincerity and kindness, we acknowledge that the environment did not allow for the discretion that such conversations warrant. You should not have had to experience such vulnerability in a shared space.

Looking ahead, the upcoming redevelopment of the hospital offers promise — it may provide us with the opportunity to create dedicated spaces specifically designed for difficult conversations, where dignity can be preserved without compromise.

Once again, I extend my sincere apologies for what you experienced, and I want to thank you for your strength and understanding. If there are any other concerns you would like to share, please feel free to contact us at swfeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Wishing you continued recovery and comfort.

Warm regards,

Karen Horsley
Service Co-director

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by shuddernf47 (the patient)

Thank you for your response. I am glad to hear that such incidences should be handled with more sensitivity once the redevelopment of the hospital is completed.

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