"Delays & Staff Error"

After a referral from my private cardiologist to FSH recently, I was asked to present for admission ASAP given the ‘high risk’ status of my results.

Since then, I have faced multiple delays, multiple staff errors and a severe lack of communication, in my opinion.

I was due to have my first procedure recently and I was told mid morning the procedure was being moved by a day and I’d have a new cardiologist assigned (not my referring one). No explanation was given at the time. I was later advised that one of the nurses had given me medication which was intended to be ceased in the lead up, which in turn meant the procedure wasn’t able to happen as planned.

The following day while fasting for the procedure, a nurse came in (who was covering a lunch break) and attempted to administer medication to me that was for another patient. It was only because I questioned what was being given to me because of the error the day before, that I then noticed the names didn’t match, and no ID check was completed. 

I had my first ablation and was asked to stay over the weekend for monitoring, with a likely second procedure needed early the following week.

On the Monday, I again fasted and was prepped for the procedure to be moved onto the Tuesday schedule to allow me to see the same surgeon for continuity.

Tuesday came, again I was woken up, prepped for the procedure and asked to fast. By 5.30pm, there had been no communication from the cardiologist, or any of the team to advise of any delays or cancellations. I submitted a formal complaint that same evening on advice from the nurse on duty, who was equally disappointed in the lack of communication throughout the day.

There was a brief apology, a promise the cardiologist would come by to discuss and the procedure would be moved to Wednesday (now 9 days after admission).

After being woken to ‘get prepared early’, I still had no interactions with the cardiology team and no confirmation if/when the procedure will be done.

I live alone, so I’ve had to arrange last minute care for my dog which has impacted myself and my family financially.

I’ve had to take extended leave from work and can’t advise them when I’ll be returning due to the continued delays.

I’m experiencing extremely low moods and mental exhaustion, but don’t have any other options for care, and feel like the cardiology team have no empathy towards the situation.

I can’t fathom how being admitted urgently as a high-risk patient has resulted in me waiting for 9 days (and counting) with no clear end in sight. Additionally, due to continued movement of the procedure, I’ve been left fasting on 6-7 of these days until well into the afternoon/dinner time.

This is my first experience with FSH and despite the nurses (for the most part) being the most incredible, kind, gentle people, the whole experience has left me extremely emotional and shaken.