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"Medical awareness of sexually abused women when it comes to treatment."

About: Central Gippsland Health Community Services

(as the patient),

I attended a clinic - terrified to attend a medical clinic - and the medical and allied health workers need to become more aware of women who have been sexually abused - I freaked when the medical person came into the room - felt immediately dis-empowered - freak - no help no compassion - just let's get on with it - I had to remove myself from the situation imagining I was sitting up in the sky light - separating myself from being dis-empowered - they need to learn awareness and compassion because most women who are survivors of medical sexual abuse - relive every moment when they have to come in contact with a medical or allied health worker.

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Responses

Response from Central Gippsland Health Service 7 years ago
Submitted on 18/11/2016 at 11:24 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:15 PM


Dear Terrified

I am very disappointed and concerned to read of your story. I am also very sorry to hear that your experience with our health service was not a good one. This is not what we want patients in our care to be feeling nor experiencing.

It would be helpful and if you felt comfortable enough, I would welcome more details from you so that I can investigate your story more fully. If you would be happy for me to do so?

I can be contacted on 51438701 or email denise.mcinnes@cghs.com.au

Kindest Regards

Denise

Acting CEO

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Terrified (the patient)

Thank you for your response Denise - it is difficult to put into words when an incident triggers within me my pain, suffering and trauma - it can happen when one least expects it - the black hole opens drawing me into it - continuing to learn personal skills to deal with such moments - thank you for your offer but I am not up to communicating with you directly at the present moment -

Response from Denise McInnes, Director of Nursing & Clinical Support Services, Executive, Central Gippsland Health Service 7 years ago
Denise McInnes
Director of Nursing & Clinical Support Services, Executive,
Central Gippsland Health Service
Submitted on 21/11/2016 at 12:59 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:33 PM


picture of Denise McInnes

Dear Terrified

You have demonstrated much courage in bringing your complaint to my attention. I can feel your pain through your words and I would like you to know that if I can be of any help or support to you then please contact me.


Kind Regards
Denise
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Update posted by Terrified (the patient)

Thank you once again for your words - to meet with you requires me to once again address my deep pain and trauma once again - it is called Allied Health's awareness with other women, suggesting a solution could be for their Medicare card to have either a number or letter as an alert to Allied Health workers - it is the survivors’ triggers when confronted with a situation that raises that deep pain and trauma - I was not to blame - no person who has faced brutal sexual abuse is to blame - but staff awareness is the most important thing with so many people now speaking up about the sexual crimes committed against them at the present Royal Commission - staff awareness becomes even more important. Thank you once again - I just can't meet with you because it means facing it all again.

Response from Denise McInnes, Director of Nursing & Clinical Support Services, Executive, Central Gippsland Health Service 7 years ago
Denise McInnes
Director of Nursing & Clinical Support Services, Executive,
Central Gippsland Health Service
Submitted on 23/11/2016 at 10:36 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 10:40 AM


picture of Denise McInnes

Dear Terrified

I will ensure that staff awareness, particularly with medical and allied health staff is raised regarding your experience within our health service.

Your experience with us was a poor one and I will ensure that we learn from it.

With Kindest Regards

Denise

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Terrified (the patient)

Thank you - have reached out for counselling as I realise I need help to learn to deal with the triggers when they occur - counsellor is understanding and compassionate and helping me come back to some normality in my life - awareness is the key for all parties including myself - and thank you for your responses - they have helped me reach out for counselling.

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