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Non existent follow up of Orthopaedic outpatient appointment

Posted By Not so happy Jack

"Non existent follow up of Orthopaedic outpatient appointment"

About: Fremantle Hospital and Health Service / Orthopaedic Surgery Department & B7N

(as a relative),

My parent was referred to Fremantle Hospital Orthopaedic out patient client for knee pain they had developed. After my parent's initial appointment they were provided with 6 weeks physiotherapy at the hospital.

However as my parent lives in the part of the catchment area where the hospital does not provide patient transport, they were given 8 am appointments in winter, where they had to catch public transport. After the course of treatment had finished, my parent was told there would be follow up by Clinic.

This never occurred until I followed up with a complaint. On attendance at the clinic, where we waited for 3 hours (yes quite normal). The Doctor re-referred to a physiotherapist not more than 1 Km away with the promise of a follow up after the course of physiotherapy. That was last August ... still waiting

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Responses

Response from Luke Dix, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 4 days ago
Luke Dix
Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 1/07/2026 at 1:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 1:32 PM

picture of Luke Dix

Dear Not so happy Jack,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about your parent’s experience with the Orthopaedic Outpatient Service at Fremantle Hospital.

I am very sorry to learn of the prolonged delay your parent has experienced and the impact this has had on both of you. I appreciate how difficult it can be to wait for follow-up care, particularly when there are additional challenges such as arranging transport and attending early morning appointments. No one should be left feeling uncertain about the next steps in their care.

Based on the information you have provided, it appears the intended follow-up after your parent’s course of physiotherapy may not have occurred as expected. I sincerely apologise for this oversight and for the frustration and distress it has caused.

While outpatient appointments are prioritised according to clinical need, we recognise the importance of ensuring patients receive timely follow-up and clear communication throughout their care. Please be assured that your feedback has been received in the spirit in which it was intended and will help inform ongoing improvements to our outpatient processes to reduce the risk of missed or delayed follow-up.

As your feedback was submitted anonymously, we are unable to identify your parent or review the circumstances of their care in more detail. If you are willing, I encourage you to contact the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinic via the Fremantle Hospital switchboard on (08) 9431 3333 and ask to speak with the relevant clinic clerk. Alternatively, you may contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au so that staff can obtain the necessary details to investigate your concerns and assist in progressing your parent’s care.

Thank you again for bringing this experience to my attention.

Kind regards,

Luke Dix
Acting Executive Director
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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