"Lack of timely care"

Last year I suffered a brain aneurysm that was discovered by Rockhampton Hospital. I was flown to RBWH by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and underwent emergency, life-saving surgery. I was in the hospital for a number of weeks and spent a number of days in the Intensive Care Unit.

After being discharged to go home, there were a number of follow-up tests and scans that were needed to ensure that I would not suffer another aneurysm. I was also going to need a stent put in.

An MRI was scheduled, however, due to my claustrophobia, I needed to have general anaesthetic, and so the MRI was postponed. Now, months after my initial aneurysm, I am still waiting for that scan and for a stent to be put in. It also seems that the hospital has lost my chart, potentially because the managing doctor has moved on to another role elsewhere.

I am still suffering from TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attack) and am undertaking a number of therapies as required to regain the mobility I have lost because of the aneurysm. We have contacted the hospital over and over and over again, however, they have still not taken action. All the while there is a big risk of another potentially life-threatening aneurysm.

On top of all this, until these actions are taken, I am unable to drive or return to work. Until I am cleared by the hospital, I am unable to do anything, not to mention the fact that my spouse is providing constant care for me.

We are absolutely lost and don’t know what to do. The hospital needs to take action and get all of this sorted out. This type of care is unacceptable.