"Not getting appropriate investigations"

I am writing regarding concerns about the care I received after being referred from Looma Clinic to the Emergency Department for ongoing lower abdominal pain.

I was referred to the ED due to pain significant enough to interfere with my ability to work. On presentation, I was advised that blood tests and a urine sample would be collected, and that the next likely step in investigating my symptoms would be an ultrasound.

A urine sample was provided and tested, with blood reportedly detected in the urine. I was then asked to return the following day for blood tests.

When I returned, I was informed that my urine sample had been lost. When I enquired about the ultrasound that had previously been discussed, I was advised that the radiologists would not be happy with receiving such a limited request. No imaging was arranged.

Instead, I was prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic and advised to re-present in one week if my symptoms had not improved, at which point blood tests could be reviewed through DAHS.

I continue to experience ongoing abdominal pain and remain concerned that the cause of my symptoms has not been adequately investigated. While I appreciate the pressures faced by rural and remote health services, workload and resource limitations should not affect a patient’s access to appropriate assessment and investigation.

I believe I deserve the same standard of care and diagnostic consideration as any Australian presenting to an Emergency Department with ongoing abdominal pain and haematuria. I would appreciate a review of my presentation, including the loss of the urine specimen, the decision-making regarding further investigation, and whether appropriate follow-up arrangements were made.

Thank you for your time and consideration.