"A Hospital Visit That Left Me Distressed"

I was visiting a close family member who had been admitted to the Royal Perth Hospital acute medical ward (AMU). They were elderly, unwell, in pain, and exhausted, and our family was already under a great deal of stress trying to support them through a difficult hospital stay.

During my visit, I was sitting quietly beside my relative while they slept. To pass the time, I was using my phone to read the news and scroll through social media. At no point was I taking photos or recording anything.

A nurse attending to my family member noticed an issue with their IV line and began changing their gown. I mentioned that my relative had a fractured arm, and then stepped back to give space. The nurse left partway through and returned shortly afterwards, at which point I was abruptly accused of taking photos on my phone. I feel I explained clearly and calmly that I had not. Despite this, I felt the response was loud and confrontational, with repeated references to confidentiality and an aggressive tone that left me shocked.

A short time later, another staff member approached and again questioned me about taking photos, stating that security would be called if I had done so. I again explained that I had not. At this point, my family member’s gown was still not properly adjusted, and I noticed medication on the floor under their bed. When I asked for help, I recall my request was dismissed.

The situation escalated further when the nurse returned and spoke to me loudly in front of other patients and visitors, accusing me of being rude and disrespectful. I felt intimidated and psychologically unsafe. I chose to disengage rather than escalate the situation further.

Physically, I was shaking and distressed. I also became aware that my family member’s IV had been removed and not yet reconnected. Based on what had just occurred, I did not feel that their care would resume while I remained there. For their wellbeing, I felt compelled to quietly remove myself from the ward so that care could continue without further tension.

This was deeply upsetting. Being in hospital is already an incredibly stressful experience for patients and families. What struck me most was not the rules around confidentiality, which I fully respect, but the way the situation was handled. Calm explanation, de-escalation, and respectful communication would have made a significant difference.

I am sharing this experience because the manner in which staff communicate matters. Aggressive or public confrontations in shared clinical spaces can add unnecessary distress for patients, families, and others who witness them. Hospitals should feel safe, supportive, and humane, especially during already difficult moments.

I hope that by sharing this story, it can contribute to reflection and improvement around communication, empathy, and how concerns are addressed in ward environments.