Last month, my partner presented to Katanning ED with a post surgical wound infection. They were very upset how they were treated by the ED doctor. The wound was red, warm, pain too touch with purulent puss discharge. The doctor stated that the wound was not infected, however provided a prescription for oral antibiotic clarithromycin. No wound swab obtained.
We went on holiday a week later, trusting that the correct antibiotic was prescribed. The wound infection got worse while on holiday, luckily we were in New Zealand at the time and was able to access emergency care.
The doctors there were very confused on the type of antibiotics prescribed, in New Zealand it has restricted use and requires authorisation from an infectious disease specialist. They prescribed a new antibiotic, and within 48 hours the wound infection reduced. Unfortunately the medical recommendation was to return to Australia ASAP for specialist review and to watch out for osteomyelitis. This meant we had to cancel the remainder our our trip and now looking at being thousands of dollars out of pocket as well as poor treatment and misdiagnosis by Katanning ED potentially leading to a life changing condition and long term antibiotics for my partner.
Why was the therapeutic guidelines for wound infection seemingly not followed? Why was a wound swab not collected? Why did care seem to deviate from, I believe, well known medical practice? What will you do to ensure that evidence based practices are followed? Such an apparent dismissive approach as had financial impact, potentially affecting physical health in preventing further harm. Based on this experience, I believe that better medical governance is needed at Katanning Hospital.
"Not listened to led to misdiagnosis"
About: Katanning Health Service / Emergency Department Katanning Health Service Emergency Department Katanning 6317
Posted by Abalone (as ),
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