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Neurosurgery Clinic

Posted By Back pain patient

"Neurosurgery Clinic"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Neurosurgery

(as the patient),

I have a kyphoscoliosis for most of my life. This causes me a lot of pain discomfort and limits what I have been able to do and as I am getting older (and have developed osteoarthritis) is causing more and more problems.

I went to my GP in February 2025 to try and get some medical help with this and initial had an appointment made with a neurosurgery specialist, who despite knowing nothing about me or my medical condition "triaged me" as not requiring an appointment until May 2026, a waiting period of 14 months. (I only went to see the GP because the pain and discomfort was unbearable.)

Because this was untennable I eventually managed to convince my GP I actually needed some help and managed to get an appointment at Fiona Stanley for April (a waiting time of only 8 months). I had a EOS and MRI and a follow up phone appointment at which they told me they did not do surgery on anyone over 40 (I am in my 70s and have been getting back pain since I was about 11 years old), gave no other suggestions because I was already doing physiotherapy that was not helping, the analgesics I had been prescribed made negligible difference to my pain, so they suggested a pain management clinic that I would hear from at some distant time in the future.

The only way I can see analgesics helping is if I am drugged into a coma. I felt the clinic offered no useful suggestions, medication, physiotherapy or anything else. Based on my experience, what is the point in this clinic existing?

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Responses

Response from Luke Dix, Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 3 weeks ago
Luke Dix
Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 12/08/2026 at 6:14 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 13/08/2026 at 8:50 AM

picture of Luke Dix

Dear ‘Back pain patient’,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience regarding the Neurosurgery Outpatient Department at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

I am sorry to read about the significant pain and discomfort you have experienced for much of your life, and the impact this continues to have on your daily life and wellbeing. Living with ongoing symptoms for such a prolonged period would be incredibly challenging, and I acknowledge the frustration and disappointment you have described regarding your wait for specialist care and the outcome of your recent appointments.

I appreciate how disheartening it must have been to undergo specialist assessments and investigations only to be left feeling that no further treatment options were available to you. While referrals to Fiona Stanley Hospital's Neurosurgery Service are assessed and managed based on clinical need and specialist review, I recognise that this does not lessen the impact of persistent pain or the frustration of waiting for care when symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life.

I am also sorry to hear that you left your appointment feeling unsupported and uncertain about what options remain available. Patients should feel informed about their care and understand the reasons behind clinical decisions, as well as any recommendations for ongoing management and support.

As Care Opinion is an anonymous platform, we are unable to access your individual details here. I encourage you to contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service (PFLS) so we can review your concerns, better understand your experience, and ensure the circumstances of your care are appropriately assessed. PFLS can be contacted on (08) 6152 4013 during business hours or via email at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Thank you again for bringing this to my attention. Your feedback highlights the importance of timely access to care, clear communication, and ensuring patients feel supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Kind regards,

Luke Dix

Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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