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ED & Surgical Team

Posted By scorpiusqw53

"ED & Surgical Team"

About: Kalgoorlie Health Campus / Emergency Department Kalgoorlie Health Campus / Surgical Ward PathWest Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital Collection Centre

(as the patient),

I recently had to attend Kalgoorlie ED due to extreme stomach pain. The waiting room was busy so I anticipated a bit of a wait. I was triaged promptly and did not really have to wait an unreasonable time which was a relief. Every staff member was incredible and prompt in treating me. It turned out I required emergency surgery which I was very nervous about. At all times I felt safe in the hands of the Drs and nurses who treated me. I was well looked after before, during and after surgery and while I was in the Surgical Ward. 

I can’t thank the Medical and Nursing staff enough for their care of me. 

My only concern was when Pathwest staff came to my room to take my blood on two occasions, both times different staff walked in already wearing gloves. They pushed open the door, pulled the privacy screen back, opened all the packets etc and took my blood without ever changing their gloves. I questioned if they should remove their gloves, sanitise and put on fresh gloves and they both said no. 

Wouldn’t it be more sensible to have removed their now soiled gloves, use the sanitiser that is located everywhere and put on fresh gloves prior to taking my blood? I had no idea if they had been wearing those gloves when they took blood from other patients. They could very easily transfer germs from one patient to another if this is their regular process. I believe this is an opportunity for Pathwest to review their infection control processes. 

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Responses

Response from Margaret Smillie, A/District Director, Northern Goldfields, WA Country Health Service 4 weeks ago
Margaret Smillie
A/District Director, Northern Goldfields,
WA Country Health Service

Submitted on 29/07/2026 at 6:32 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 30/07/2026 at 8:48 AM

Dear scorpiusqw53

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback regarding your recent experience.

It is wonderful to hear your positive comments about the nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department and Surgical Ward. Our staff are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care, and I know they will greatly appreciate your kind words. We will ensure your feedback is shared with the team.

In relation to your concerns regarding PathWest staff, thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. At Kalgoorlie Health Campus, we pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of infection prevention and control, including adherence to the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene. This includes performing hand hygiene when entering a patient's environment and before and after touching a patient or their surroundings. Your feedback has prompted escalation to the PathWest Chief Scientist on site for review and appropriate follow-up.

Thank you again for reaching out and sharing both your compliments and concerns. Patient feedback helps us recognise when we are doing well, and when we can do better. I wish you all the very best in your continued recovery.

Kind regards

Margaret Smillie
A/District Director Northern Goldfields

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Response from Care Opinion Australia 4 weeks ago
Care Opinion Australia

Submitted on 30/07/2026 at 4:40 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 4:40 PM

Please note this response has published by Care Opinion Australia on behalf of PathWest Laboratory Medicine.

Thank you for your feedback. The manager for the PathWest laboratory at Kalgoorlie will work with their team of staff to refresh their learning and understanding of hand hygiene during ward rounds. We hope that your next encounter with a PathWest staff member provides you with a better experience and we wish you well on your health journey.

Kind regards,

PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA

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