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"Lack of communication between healthcare providers"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / General Surgery Department & Ward 7A & Ward 7B King Edward Memorial Hospital / Gynaecology

(as the patient),

I am sharing my concern regarding the lack of follow‑up communication, coordination and continuity of care between Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) and King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) in relation to my liver disease diagnosis at FSH in 2021 approximately one year after the insertion of a Mirena IUD at KEMH in 2020.

Background:

- I had a Mirena IUD inserted at KEMH in 2020 under general anaesthetic.

- Approximately one year later, I presented to the Emergency Department at FSH with epigastric pain and itching and subsequently diagnosed with fatty liver disease.

- Despite the seriousness of this diagnosis, there was no inter‑hospital communication or coordinated care pathway were established between FSH and KEMH, despite having the same UMRN.

- No assessment of potential hormonal influences requiring a review despite Mirena being contraindicated in liver disease. 

- Poor coordination and management may have allowed further GI issues to emerge in 2025-26, rectal bleeding due to diverticulitis needing colonoscopy resulting in further findings of IBS and low-grade dysplasia in my sigmoid polyp, affecting my health trajectory at 47. My hyperbilirubinemia is still a concern. Even if they are not directly related to the IUD, it makes sense to look at the whole picture.

Concerns:

1. Failure to ensure continuity of care after a significant diagnosis. Fatty liver disease is not a trivial finding. 

No alert was issued to the GP or the internal hospital system, resulting in no further investigation/ongoing risk mitigation carried out, in my opinion signalling a systemic failure in shared electronic health records.

Only follow‑up phone appointments were arranged by KEMH, which just focussed on "gynaecological progress". It is concerning that no cross‑hospital communication occurred to determine whether:

- metabolic overload and significant weight gain from the IUD required review, both contributory factors in liver disease, missed opportunities for potential early intervention

- my symptoms requiring ongoing coordinated monitoring

2. Lack of communication between FSH and KEMH

Given that:

- KEMH inserted the Mirena

- FSH later diagnosed liver disease

- both hospitals operate under WA Health

3. No follow up from KEMH since May 2025 despite a face to face appoint planned in 3 months to re-evaluate my symptoms.

The lack of inter-hospital follow‑up and communication in my case represents, in my opinion, a significant failure in their responsibilities. I request that my concerns be taken seriously and addressed promptly. 

Thank you

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Responses

Response from Jeffrey Williams, Executive Director, Women and Newborn Health Service 2 days ago
Jeffrey Williams
Executive Director,
Women and Newborn Health Service
Submitted on 17/04/2026 at 9:26 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 9:26 AM


picture of Jeffrey Williams

Dear A-teens-parent,

I am very sorry to hear about how challenging your health journey has been over the last 6 years. Unfortunately, I am unable to comment directly on the care you received at King Edward Memorial Hospital based on the information you have provided.

However, if you feel comfortable to do so, I encourage you to reach out to our Consumer Liaison Service on 6458 1444 or email them at wnhscls@health.wa.gov.au so that we may undertake a review into your care and explore any ongoing services or support we may be able to offer you.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story, and I do hope we hear from you soon.

Kind regards

Jeffrey

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Response from Nyrene Jackson, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group 2 days ago
Nyrene Jackson
Acting Executive Director,
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group
Submitted on 17/04/2026 at 9:26 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 9:26 AM


picture of Nyrene Jackson

Dear ‘A-teens-parent’,

Thank you for contacting us to share your experience at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH). I appreciate you taking the time to let us know what happened, and I am sorry that the care you received did not meet the standard we aim to provide.

I acknowledge how upsetting and frustrating this situation has been for you, particularly given the number of health concerns you have been managing over several years. The impact this has had on your wellbeing is recognised, and I sincerely regret the distress you have experienced.

Please be assured that your feedback has been carefully reviewed by the relevant teams. Information from across departments was considered to better understand the issues. While the clinical care provided aligns with recommended practice, the communication and coordination surrounding your experience did not meet our expected standard.

When patients attend FSH, clinicians rely on the information available in the public health record alongside details shared during assessment. This includes medical history, medications, and previous treatments. Any new diagnosis made in the Emergency Department should also be communicated to the patient’s GP, who plays an important role in ongoing management and follow up.

It is concerning to hear that you did not feel supported or clearly informed throughout this process. Feeling unheard can have a significant impact on a patient’s confidence in their care, and I am sorry that this was your experience.

As a result of your feedback, your concerns have been shared with the teams involved to support reflection and learning. The importance of timely follow up, clear communication, and ensuring patients feel informed, particularly when multiple services are involved, has been reinforced. These actions aim to help improve patient experience and reduce the likelihood of similar issues occurring in the future.

If you feel comfortable, I encourage you to contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service (PFLS) on (08) 6152 4013 during business hours, or via email at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au. The team can talk through the review process with you and help progress this matter further if you wish.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention. Your feedback is valued, and I sincerely apologise for the experience you had.

Kind regards,

Nyrene Jackson

A/Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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