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"Experience during orthopaedic surgery"

About: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital / Orthopaedic Surgery

(as the patient),

Woke up during orthopaedic surgery, had a blanket over my face so tried to remove it to get help, realised my arms were strapped down, tried to speak but had a mask on, managed to wriggle around enough to see the lights and realise I was in surgery still, at which point I felt very panicked. 

Apparently the surgeon saw me after but I don’t recall seeing them at all. Didn’t see them before surgery despite waiting in pre op triage for over an hour. 

Afterwards it has been very difficult to get any explanation as to what happened or reassurance that this was not normal. The whole experience has left me anxious and I would not trust Charles gairdener with my care again.

At the time of writing this, I have been told that despite consenting to general anaesthetic, this was switched for sedation only on the day, without my consent. I will be seeking my records for further evaluation as to my rights.

Based on my experience, I will be very cautious with this hospital. 

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Responses

Response from Jodi Graham, Executive Director, SCGOPHCG, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group 3 weeks ago
Jodi Graham
Executive Director, SCGOPHCG,
Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group
Submitted on 23/09/2025 at 12:47 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 12:47 PM


picture of Jodi Graham

Dear Coneq37,

Thank you for reaching out to share your story on Care Opinion. I was extremely sorry to read about the experience that you describe while undergoing Orthopaedic Surgery at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Please accept my sincere apologies for the distress and anxiety that this caused.

The feedback you have provided me is taken very seriously. I would like the opportunity to review your situation further and to provide you with a full investigation and the support that you require. Should you agree, I encourage you to contact our Consumer Liaison Service (phone: 6457 2867 or email: CLS@health.wa.gov.au).

Once again thank you for getting in touch with us and I do hope that you will make contact with our service.

Kind regards,

Jodi Graham

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