"Cyst on spine"

Dear Hey!,

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

I am sorry to hear of the prolonged wait your child has experienced for specialist care. Navigating caring for a child living with ongoing symptoms while waiting for treatment and answers over such a long period would be incredibly difficult for any parent. It is understandable that you are seeking help and advocating for your child after six years of waiting.

I was also sorry to read about the impact this situation is having on your child's wellbeing. Hearing that your child is feeling depressed, and that this experience is affecting your own wellbeing as a parent, highlights the significant toll that prolonged uncertainty and delays in care can have on a family.

While referrals to Neurology and Neurosurgery services are assessed and managed according to clinical need and specialist review, I recognise that this does not lessen the distress and frustration of waiting for care when you are worried about your child's health and future.

We would welcome the opportunity to better understand your child’s individual circumstances and review the current status of their care with the appropriate clinical team. As Care Opinion is an anonymous platform, we are unable to access further details from the information provided in your story. I would encourage you to contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au so that we can make further enquiries into your child's referral and current waiting list status.

Thank you again for bringing this to my attention. I appreciate you taking the time to share your family's experience and hope to have the opportunity to assist further.

Kind regards,

Luke Dix

Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group