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"Bad experience"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I presented to the ED one afternoon. I had worsening pain in my shoulder and arm that I suspected was a rotator cuff injury from manual work I had done a few days prior. The numbness and tingling in my hand was concerning. The triage nurse was great gave me a sling.

I got called through by a doctor and basically was told to go see my GP. They ordered an xray which I knew wouldn’t show much as I explained the pain was muscular. After the results came back the doctor just said to go home and take panadol. I went to hospital as I had taken a tramadol that hadn’t even touched the pain.

The doctor said they would get me a couple of Tramadol to get me through the weekend before I could see my GP. 40 minutes I waited, and had to leave as I was in so much agony before they gave me the pills. I am an Accountant and am in charge of a business that has a $20million turnover. I felt I was basically treated like I was a junkie looking for some pain meds.

I am now at home, thankfully my spouse has some medication to get me through (my spouse is awaiting knee replacements) as I can’t get in to see my GP until another morning, then an ultrasound will be days after that. The numbness in my hand is very concerning but it seemed to me that the doctor just didn’t care at all. I can hardly lift my arm, it has kept me awake for the last 2 nights. I felt very dismissed and just wish there was an alternative for after hours and weekend care as I would’ve paid to see someone and not be treated like that. 

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Responses

Response from Cameron Ross, Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service 2 weeks ago
Cameron Ross
Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus

Submitted on 5/12/2025 at 5:08 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 8/12/2025 at 11:08 AM


picture of Cameron Ross

Dear octanskp57

Thank you for sharing your experience with us on Care Opinion.

I was sorry to read that you felt the assessment and care you received at the Emergency Department at Geraldton Health Campus did not meet your expectations. The team at the ED pride themselves on providing efficient and comprehensive care to all members of the community, without judgment of a consumer’s personal situation. I have every confidence they are striving to meet these goals in every interaction they have.

When it comes to prescribing strong pain medication, our clinicians must exercise great caution. As with all medications, safety is of the utmost priority. These medications have additional restrictions and checking processes required by law and are important to maintain patient safety.

If at any time during a presentation at Geraldton Health Campus, you feel your concerns are not being heard, or you have any other concerns please don’t hesitate to enact the Aishwarya’s CARE Call process. Aishwarya’s CARE Call is a way for patients, families and carers to receive or call for urgent assistance when they are concerned about a patient’s health and feel that the healthcare team has not fully recognised their changing health condition. Full details are available at https://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/About-us/Contact-us/CARE-Call

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you to discuss your concerns and this would also allow me to have your recent presentation investigated for any shortfalls in care provided. My name is Cameron Ross, and I am the Operations Manager at Geraldton Health Campus. You are welcome to reach me on (08) 9956 2369 — your call would be very much appreciated.

I hope you are well and your injuries are healing.

Regards,

Cameron Ross

Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus

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Response from Cameron Ross, Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service 3 days ago
Cameron Ross
Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus

Submitted on 16/12/2025 at 12:42 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 2:26 PM


picture of Cameron Ross

Dear octanskp57

Thank you again for your feedback regarding our health service and your recent ED presentation. I wished to reconfirm I am available to have a conversation with you if you wish to discuss your concerns in more detail. You can reach me on 9956 2369 and your call would be very welcome.

Regards,

Cameron Ross

Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus

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