"Level of Care at Royal Perth Hospital"

My husband was recently in Emergency Department on two consecutive nights due to complications from a virus.

I just wanted to compliment the staff on responding to my advocacy efforts for my husband.  

He had been in ED for an hour and a half, but was taken straight through to a bed as he was in severe pain due to a hernia he had developed from coughing.  

When I was taken through after waiting for an hour and a half, he was feeling miserable, didn't have a pillow or a blanket, said he hadn't seen a nurse in ages, was very dry in the mouth, and everyone seemed to be very busy. I asked if he had rung the bell, but he was reluctant to make a wave and he didn't know how to get their attention without drawing a lot of attention from others, which is how it feels when you ring the bell. However, when I was brought through and able to make a contact with nursing staff, they were very responsive to my requests for a blanket, water and a pillow, plus some pain medications, as he had developed a hernia from coughing.

The doctor who came to see him, was extremely caring.  Her obvious empathy for his pain, was very soothing.  Then the nurse, (Pav), who spent time talking to my husband and meeting his physical needs, also demonstrated a great deal of empathy for him.  And lastly, the surgeon (James I think), who came to make the decision about whether he needed surgery, was very professional, took the time to really explain well the options and treatment required.  His steady and gentle approach was greatly appreciated, as he built a great sense of trust.

It just showed me a couple of things that I think the hospital can take away from this visit:- the value of working in partnership with Carers and being responsive to their needs - made a huge difference to my husband's experience and I felt empowered to access what he needed (tissues, cups of water) without censure.

- the value of staff demonstrating empathy and real concern for patients.

- the value of well trained and experienced doctors who are able to clearly outline the medical concerns and treatment options.

Very grateful to the team that cared for my husband,  Thank you!  RPH is my hospital of choice because of it's responsiveness to the need and willingness to fully investigate.