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Recent gynaecological surgery

Posted By tigerze44

"Recent gynaecological surgery"

About: Albany Health Campus / Day Procedure Unit

(as the patient),

I recently underwent surgery at the Albany Health Campus and what should have been a time of healing has instead become one of the most emotionally and psychologically distressing experiences of my life.

In the first few days after my operation, I was still very affected by the general anaesthetic and recovery, so it took some time for the contents of my discharge paperwork to fully sink in. Once I was able to properly read and process everything, I was devastated to see that it stated an endometrial ablation had been performed. I had also been given a patient information handout about the procedure. Believing this information to be accurate, I was left thinking that a procedure I had not wanted and had not consented to had been carried out.

I spent days grieving the loss of a choice I believed had been taken from me, worrying about the lifelong implications and the impact it could have on my future. The emotional and psychological distress this caused was overwhelming.

I have since been informed that this information was false and that no endometrial ablation was actually performed. While I am relieved that the procedure did not take place, that does not erase the immense emotional harm caused by the inaccurate documentation and information I was given. The anxiety, grief, confusion, and psychological trauma I experienced were entirely preventable.

Patients place enormous trust in healthcare professionals. Accurate documentation, clear communication, and informed consent are fundamental to safe and compassionate care. My experience has shaken my confidence in the healthcare system, and I hope meaningful changes are made to ensure no other patient has to endure the same unnecessary distress.

I appreciate the all staff members, who treated me upmost respect, kindness and compassion throughout my admission, but this experience highlights the importance of accuracy, accountability, and patient-centred care.

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Responses

Response from Kate Hambleton, Director, Albany Health Campus, WACHS GS 2 days ago
Kate Hambleton
Director, Albany Health Campus,
WACHS GS

Submitted on 14/07/2026 at 12:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 2:58 PM

Dear tigerze44,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I would like to sincerely acknowledge and apologise for the distress caused by the incorrect information contained within your discharge documentation.

What should have been a period focused on your recovery and healing instead became a source of significant anxiety, grief, and emotional turmoil. We recognise that, after reading documentation which stated that an endometrial ablation had been performed and receiving accompanying patient information about that procedure, it was entirely understandable that you believed you had undergone a treatment to which you had not consented. We are deeply sorry for the confusion, and uncertainty this caused.

While we appreciate that you were subsequently informed that no endometrial ablation had been performed, we recognise that this clarification cannot undo the emotional impact that it had. The distress you describe was avoidable, and we acknowledge the profound effect that inaccurate clinical documentation and communication can have on a patient's wellbeing.

At Albany Health Campus, we understand that trust is fundamental to the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Accurate documentation, clear communication, and respect for informed consent are essential components of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care. We are sorry that your experience has shaken your confidence in our health service.

Please be assured that your concerns have been taken seriously. We would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly to better understand your experience. If you are open to this, please do not hesitate to contact the Patient Safety and Quality Team on 08 9892 2665, Monday to Friday or via ahc.feedback@health.wa.gov.au. We would like to undertake a review to better understand how this breakdown in communication occurred and to identify opportunities to strengthen our processes and reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future. Learning from patient experiences such as yours is an important part of improving the safety and quality of care we provide.

We would also like to thank you for recognising the staff members who cared for you with kindness, respect, and compassion throughout your admission. We will ensure your appreciation is shared with the teams involved.

Thank you again for bringing this matter to our attention and for sharing the impact this experience has had on you. We sincerely regret the distress caused and appreciate your willingness to highlight the importance of accuracy, accountability, and patient-centred care.

Yours sincerely,

Kate Hambleton

District Director Lower Great Southern

Phone: 9892 2222

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