In August I arrived with my husband who was 3 days post op from laminectomy surgery at a private hospital in Brisbane with approx 1/4 cup of fluid in his back plaster, white in complexion and severe headache. (We were advised on discharge Saturday if he has increased headaches and / or fluid in the plaster we should present to our closest ED). As I drove down to the ED I could see many people in the waiting room.
I managed to get him out of the car. We stood and on our turn we approached a mature age triage nurse who appeared to be quite annoyed by my husband’s non verbal's. I advised this staff member of my husband’s name, explained that he was 3 days post op and that he might have a possible CSF leak while asking my husband to turn around to show the triage nurse (that was all I said). We were confronted by a sharp angry reply “.... You don’t diagnose .....” this staff member looked down and mumbled under their breath then, without looking, asked “what's your name?”, I answered for my husband, the triage nurse quickly looked up glared and then directed the same question to my husband. (Now at this point my husband is having trouble standing) .... this questioning continued for up to 2 minutes. The triage nurse told my husband to sit down and wait to be called.
Sit down! ! ! Really, 3 days post op laminectomy, really.... so he leans up against the window while I give his details to the admin officer.... she advises me that there will be a wait, I stressed to her again 3 days post op and that he could not sit.
After 10 minutes and my husband becoming more unsteady on his feet I run and get the car and take him to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where we were seen as soon as we arrived.
My husband is still in hospital after having surgery to repair his spinal cord membrane which had deteriorated, followed by lumbar drain.
We acknowledge how busy the Redcliffe ED was, however the triage nurse’s attitude was appalling. Maybe the staff at Redcliffe ED should take lessons on how to communicate with people and how awful we felt and uncared for we were. If this triage nurse did not want to be at work, then I suggest they go and find another job. I believe this triage nurse put my husband at risk. What would have happened if he fell over!
We will never use the Redcliffe hospital ever again!
"Poor attitude and rudeness of staff Redcliffe ED"
About: Redcliffe Hospital / Emergency Department Redcliffe Hospital Emergency Department Redcliffe 4020 Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital / Emergency Department Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency Department Herston 4029
Posted by sharkie (as ),
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