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"Good care after poor care"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I presented to Royal Perth ED on a Saturday night on direction from Healthdirect. I was worried and alone, and by the time I saw the doctor I'd been waiting 3 hours. 

The first doctor went through some perfunctory questions, showed no empathy for how I was feeling, and, I felt, dumped me into a cubicle where "someone" (not them, clearly) would take some observations. They didn't handover to anyone or introduce me to a nurse, not even an "I'll see you soon". They came back 15 minutes later, asked if my obs had been done (they hadn't), said someone should've done that ages ago, and left  (again, without doing it themselves), giving me no indication of how long I'd be waiting, what I was really waiting for, and what the next steps would be. 20 minutes later, I was ready to leave.

I stopped a staff member and asked how to get out - they told me they'd find a nurse (they didn't). 

I waited another 10 minute and tried to leave again, asking a staff member for help. This person did alert a different doctor, Dr Laura, who saw me within five minutes, acknowledged my feelings, really heard my experience, gave me clear timelines and next steps and asked me if I had any questions. Dr Laura was excellent - I know she was busy and at the end of her shift, but she still found five minutes to tell me what was going on and make sure I understood. 

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Responses

Response from Andrew Yeates, A/Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 3 weeks ago
Andrew Yeates
A/Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group
Submitted on 4/05/2026 at 12:27 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 5/05/2026 at 9:36 AM


picture of Andrew Yeates

Dear junedx57,

Thank you for sharing your experience following your presentation to the Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department. I am very sorry to hear how worried and alone you felt while waiting, and that the communication you received initially did not provide the reassurance or clarity you needed.

Your feedback about the lack of handover, delays in observations, and the absence of clear next steps does not reflect the standard of care we aim to provide. Please be assured that your experience will be shared with the ED leadership team so they can follow up with staff and reinforce the importance of compassionate, consistent communication.

I am pleased to hear that Dr Laura was able to listen to your concerns, explain what to expect, and help you feel more at ease. Your comments about her care will also be passed on, as it is important for staff to know the positive difference they make.

Thank you again for your feedback and I hope you are recovering well.

Kind regards

Dr Andrew Yeates

A/Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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