This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"The situation is fairly traumatic, and yet we have no resolution"

About: Sydney / Sydney Eye Hospital

(as a relative),

My husband had an accident to his hand, it was crushed, and three fingers have deep wounds. We went to the emergency department, who sent us to the Sydney Eye Hospital. We were told by the ED staff the night before, that we were listed for surgery, in the day procedure unit, and to be there at 7am. We were here by 6am and are still waiting. So far the wait has been over 7 hours, and no one seems to be able to tell us anything. When I’ve questioned the staff as to the delay, I’m told that there have been some emergencies, and they have a higher priority than we do, yet, since I’ve been here since 6am, I’ve seen people go in ahead of us that appear to be having elective surgery – one person was having carpal tunnel surgery. How is that an emergency? And the thing is we were sent here, from the emergency department!

In anticipation of surgery, my husband has been nil by mouth since midnight, and we still have no idea if he will receive surgery today or not. We have been told by a member of staff, that sometimes patients can be waiting up to three days! They just have to keep coming back in the hope that this will be their day.

All the staff have been polite and professional, and I can see how busy they all are, but this just doesn’t seem good enough. The whole incident has been traumatic enough, and then to not know what will happen, or what is going on, just makes the matter so much worse. The only positive thing has been that they have given my husband some pain relief. With the lack of communication, and not knowing who I can speak to about this, or how I can get some resolution, I am at my wit’s end! I just want resolution to this situation.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Jennie Barry, General Manager, Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital 7 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Jennie Barry
General Manager,
Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital
Submitted on 23/02/2017 at 1:36 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:05 PM


Dear No resolutions to problem,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, while waiting for your husbands hand surgery. I apologise for the distress you and your husband were experiencing during that time.

I am pleased that your husband had his surgery on this day and is now home recovering.

I value your feedback, as this will help us improve our service, care and experience for our patient's and families.

Your story has highlighted an area in which the hospital can improve on. We will work towards improving our emergency hand surgery processes over the coming months enhancing the patient experience.

I am glad your husband's pain needs were met and staff were 'polite and professional'.

May I take this opportunity to wish your husband a speedy recovery and please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss this further.

Kind regards

Jennie

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k