Waited around 4 hrs in the Royal Perth Hospital ED recently with headache caused by infection in the nostril. Had to reached out for some pain killer after seeing a clerk. Many people started to leave, some disappointed most out of frustration in my opinion.
All we got to hear was “Not Sure” when asked. On a few final attempts of enquiring, I was informed there were 3 people ahead of me. An hour or so later, 2 names were called but nobody showed up, then i asked if i was next. A staff member in the triage told me there was a person ahead of me however i can be put next. I showed gratitude and returned but another lady from triage comes to a person who visited after me with a broken arm highlighting that patient would need an urgent care than me.
I kept my composure and thought of requesting for more pain killers but my attempt to start the conversation was ignored and left hanging. People with clubbing outfits, possibly from intoxication and one from physical altercation were being invited to the care but still no hope of treatment was available.
The staff member who ignored me was now admiring a tattoo of a visitor with me standing next to them. Thoughts full of disgust, i asked them again if any more cases that seem more severe than mine arrives, will i be push back in the queue. They said yes without hesitation and stated that it was ED policy.
I regret not mentioning, based on which guideline do you measure the urgency of triaging? I stormed out of the door feeling helpless and completely ignored. Nobody should have to suffer or be treated in such ways for just falling sick. I can only hope me sharing my story can make a meaningful difference in the Health Care System.
"Prioritisation in ED"
About: Royal Perth Hospital / Emergency Department Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department Perth 6000
Posted by Anonymous 1 (as ),
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