"Specialist not believing me"

About: Geraldton Hospital Geraldton Hospital Geraldton 6530

Posted by eb1212 (as the patient), 5 years ago

I went into the Geraldton fracture clinic and saw a specialist about some issues I had been having with my knee. I had seen this specialist before for the same knee, which hadn't gotten any better since my visit the year before. I explained that my left knee had been popping out/dislocating inwards for quiet some time. The specialist said that knees don't pop out/dislocate that way and nothing was wrong. After, the specialist asked me if everything was ok at home and school which confused and upset me because that had nothing to do with what was happening with my knee. It felt like the specialist was basically telling me that it's all in my head and nothing's wrong with me. The specialist ended up giving me a referral down to the Subiaco imaging department for an MRI with great reluctance after a request from my mum. I now have had to get a referral from my GP, to see a paediatric orthopaedic specialist at another hospital in Perth. I think that the specialist at Geraldton could've been more understanding and should've dealt with it differently or better than they did.

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Responses

Michele Young

REOC Lead, Executive Services,

WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 28/06/2018 at 11:25 AM

Published on Care Opinion at 12:54 PM

Dear eb1212
Thank you for sharing your story on Patient Opinion. I was disappointed and equally concerned to read about the care you described with your appointment at the Geraldton Fracture Clinic. I am very sorry that you have experienced our service in this way, your experience does not meet our commitment to providing high quality compassionate care.
We would really like an opportunity to discuss the concerns you have raised with you and your mum and we would be grateful if you could contact us. The contact details for Derek Fraser Geraldton Hospital Operations Manager are 9956 2369 or Derek.Fraser@health.wa.gov.au or alternately you can contact me on 9956 8695 or michele.young@health.wa.gov.au. Your call would be very welcome and can still be addressed anonymously if you wish.
Thanks again for making contact, we really appreciate your feedback as it allows us opportunity to improve our service.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Kind regards
Michele

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Michele Young

REOC Lead, Executive Services,

WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 11/07/2018 at 3:29 PM

Published on Care Opinion at 4:10 PM

Dear eb1212
Thank you to both yourself and your mum for getting back in touch, we really appreciate it. It certainly has been a long road for you and I'm sorry to read of your pain and frustration.
The concerns you have raised will be investigated through our complaints management process and Dr Katy Templeman will be in touch next week.
In regards to your mums PATS queries I have spoken to Karen Street, Director Population Health who would like an opportunity to further discuss PATS assistance going forward. Could you or your mum please contact Karen at a time convenient for you both on 9956 1962 or Karen.Street@health.wa.gov.au
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you need anything in the interim.
Warm regards
Michele

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Michele Young

REOC Lead, Executive Services,

WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 11/07/2018 at 6:40 PM

Published on Care Opinion on 12/07/2018 at 9:33 AM

Dear eb1212
I have just spoken to Karen Street, Director Population Health who has advised that she has spoken to your mum regarding PATS assistance to help with your trip to Perth. PATS provides a travel and accommodation subsidy to eligible country residents and their approved escorts (people who come with you to your specialist appointment to help you). PATS is designed to assist with some out-of-pocket expenses associated with travelling for specialist medical services. Further information on PATS can be found here http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/pats - your mum will just need to contact the GP to complete the yellow PATS form with sufficient information in support of your trip and lodge it with PATS. The PATS team will then be in touch.
Again please don’t hesitate to contact me should you require further information.
Kind regards
Michele

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Michele Young

REOC Lead, Executive Services,

WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 3/09/2018 at 10:12 AM

Published on Care Opinion at 10:18 AM

Dear eb1212
I just wanted to touch base. Dr Katy Templeman has advised that she has been in touch with you and your mother and that she called again last week but you were unavailable. If you have an opportunity could you or your mum give Katy a call on 9956 2410 as she would like to hear how things are going.
I just want to take this opportunity to say thanks for getting in touch, the team were very impressed by someone of your age taking the time to use Patient Opinion and assist us with improving our service.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Best wishes
Michele

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Update posted by eb1212 (the patient) 5 years ago

Hello Michele,
Just to update you, we had a meeting with Dr Templeman and she has organised an appointment with a paediatric orthopaedic knee specialist in Perth in a few weeks, as there was an 18-month wait to see a specialist at Perth Children's Hospital. Unfortunately, I have developed complex regional pain syndrome which is only in the early stages at the moment and with the 18-month waiting list, the symptoms may worsen causing me to lose the ability to walk. This is why we are seeing a specialist quicker, and because my knee is worsening and becoming more and more unstable without the support of crutches or a knee brace.
eb1212

Michele Young

REOC Lead, Executive Services,

WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 5/09/2018 at 6:53 PM

Published on Care Opinion on 6/09/2018 at 8:55 AM

Hi eb1212
Thanks for the update. I'm so sorry to hear that you have developed complex regional pain syndrome and pleased that Katy was able to arrange an earlier appointment for you. Katy is currently on leave and will be in touch on her return.
Best wishes
Michele

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