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"Communication slip-ups"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department Geraldton Hospital / General Ward

(as a relative),

My grandparent aged in their 70’s,  was recently hospitalised in Geraldton Regional Hospital for serious pneumonia, blood clots in the lungs and stage 4 cancer that’s currently spread in their lungs. The nurses and team treated my grandparent really well and were quick to help them with whatever they needed or required assistance with. I am however disappointed in the overall communication, and communication with family members. 

Two things in particular were disappointing to me.

One of the problems being that when my grandparent was discharged due to the hospitals recommendation, my grandparent's port that they had been receiving antibiotics through- was not taken out before being discharged. This was not communicated as a task to the nurses on staff the day my grandparent was discharged. So the port needed to be removed by a nurse after the discharge date. 

The other issue I wanted to mention is that due to my grandparent's condition, they were to be discharged with the instructions to take oral antibiotics, continue blood thinners and  home oxygen was arranged. However, when my other grandparent went to fill the script in at the chemist one morning, they were advised that they weren't given a script for the correct amount of medication needed to complete the script my grandparent needed. So my other grandparent had to ask for assistance to arrange proper medication for over the weekend and onwards to treat my grandparent's illnesses. This was very stressful for them both. Thankfully the chemist was very helpful and considerate.


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Responses

Response from Liz Kelly, Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service last month
Liz Kelly
Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Acting Director Population Health

Submitted on 29/07/2026 at 2:04 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 4:03 PM


picture of Liz Kelly

Dear Faith Love Hope

Thank you for sharing your grandparent’s experience with us.

I was sorry to read that aspects of your grandparent’s admission did not meet the standard of care we aim to provide. On behalf of the Geraldton Health Campus management team, I apologise for the concerns you have raised. The workforce across the campus is committed to providing the highest possible care and I know they will reflect on your concerns and use them to improve the service we provide.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about your concerns. In particular, with your grandparent’s details, we can investigate the issues you raised regarding the removal of their port and the provision of incorrect prescriptions on discharge. My name is Liz Kelly, and I am the Acting District Director at Geraldton Health Campus. I can be contacted on (08) 9956 2403 and would be pleased to discuss your concerns with you.

I was, pleased to hear that your grandparent felt well cared for by our staff and that assistance was provided promptly when required. I will ensure this positive feedback is shared with the teams involved.

I do hope your grandparent is feeling well and getting all the care and support they need. Please also contact me if there is anything else Geraldton Health Campus can do to support them and your family.

Kind regards

Liz Kelly

Acting District Director – Geraldton Health Campus

WA Country Health Service – Midwest

Tel: (08) 9956 2403

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Liz Kelly, Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service 2 weeks ago
Liz Kelly
Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Acting Director Population Health

Submitted on 25/08/2026 at 11:58 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 12:20 PM


picture of Liz Kelly

Dear Faith Love Hope

Thank you again for sharing your grandfather's experience with us.

I just wanted to reach out again and assure you I am available for a discussion if you want to discuss any concerns you still have regarding your grandfather's care. Your call would be very welcome and I can be reached on (08) 9956 2403.

I do hope your grandparent is well.

Kind regards

Liz Kelly

Acting District Director – Geraldton Health Campus

WA Country Health Service – Midwest

Tel: (08) 9956 2403

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
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