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ED presentation

Posted By Dart Simpson

"ED presentation"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

Please take this as constructive feedback. I am very thankful for our ED staff at the Geraldton Regional Hospital. I presented recently for a shoulder dislocation. The ED doctor was eventually able to put it back in with practiced ease.

However, I felt they were very defensive about their experience when I asked about the pain options they gave me. At the initial consult with this doctor I was in a fair bit of pain and they were not reassuring at all. I am a health worker and also had two friends with me. They made me feel small, not listened to and frightened. I can’t imagine what this situation would be like for someone in a more vulnerable position. 

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Responses

Response from Liz Kelly, Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service 3 weeks ago
Liz Kelly
Acting District Director Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Acting Director Population Health

Submitted on 20/08/2026 at 6:12 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 21/08/2026 at 8:57 AM

picture of Liz Kelly

Dear Dart Simpson

Thank you for reaching out through Care Opinion. We are very grateful to receive feedback that helps us improve the quality of care we provide to our community.

I am pleased to hear that you received skilled care when your shoulder was relocated, and I hope your recovery is progressing well.

I was sorry to read that you felt the doctor was defensive when discussing pain relief options, and that the conversation did not provide the reassurance you were seeking. While I appreciate that clinicians may need to exercise caution when prescribing medications, clear, respectful and compassionate communication is essential to help patients understand and feel comfortable with the reasoning behind clinical decisions.

I will ensure that the Director of Medical Services shares your feedback with the Emergency Department medical team so that we can reflect on your experience and identify any opportunities for improvement.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide your feedback. I wish you all the best with your recovery and hope your shoulder is fully healed soon.

Regards

Liz Kelly

Acting District Director – Geraldton Health Campus

WA Country Health Service – Midwest

Tel: 9956 2403

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