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"Lack of resources can't cope with demand."

About: The Townsville Hospital

(as the patient),

Just over a year ago I went to doctor with altered bowel habits. Saw doctor at The Townsville Hospital six months later and told I needed a colonoscopy. Returned a positive bowel cancer screen three months later. Despite ongoing pain and bleeding I had not been seen by anyone, six months on and so had a colonoscopy done privately. Two malignant tumors have been discovered. My question is why are you promoting bowel screening tests when you do not have the resources to cope with the present demand?

Very disappointed.

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Responses

Response from Julie Shepherd, Nurse Manager Patient Experience, Patient Services; Clinical Governance Directorate, Townsvillle Hospital and Health Services 8 years ago
Julie Shepherd
Nurse Manager Patient Experience, Patient Services; Clinical Governance Directorate,
Townsvillle Hospital and Health Services
Submitted on 11/05/2016 at 3:48 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 12/05/2016 at 8:04 AM


Dear granma,

Thank you for sharing your story on Patient Opinion. I am really sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the wait for a colonoscopy and follow up.

Timely care and appropriate information of a treatment plan is an expectation of our health service delivery, so I sincerely apologise that you feel this did not occur for you. Our Queensland Bowel Screening Service is a dedicated team who work in conjunction with the National Bowel Screening Service and follows processes based on the referral information received from the patients GP.

We would like an opportunity to discuss your personal experience in more detail so that we can investigate the issues you have raised. This will assist us in identifying any areas for improvement to prevent avoidable delays in follow up. I encourage you to please contact staff in our Patient Liaison Service on 44331074.

Once again thank you for sharing your story and I wish you all the very best.

With kind regards

Julie Shepherd

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Update posted by granma (the patient)

Thank you Julie for your reply. I can accept your team is dedicated, however if the funds are not available for a colonoscopy after a positive return, plus a patient is bleeding and in pain for 16 months, then the Govt needs more input. I felt humiliated after seeing the doctor in ED and being told it was my diet and lifestyle that were the problem. I am happy to phone after seeing my oncologist today.

Response from Julie Shepherd, Nurse Manager Patient Experience, Patient Services; Clinical Governance Directorate, Townsvillle Hospital and Health Services 8 years ago
Julie Shepherd
Nurse Manager Patient Experience, Patient Services; Clinical Governance Directorate,
Townsvillle Hospital and Health Services
Submitted on 12/05/2016 at 1:38 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:26 PM


Dear granma,

Thank you for letting me know that you will make contact with us as this will be a good opportunity to explore the issues you have raised.

Once again granma, take care.

With kind regards,

Julie Shepherd

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