I arrived at ED via ambulance following an episode of swelling of my soft palate, this is the second time this has happened. I was treated with respect and dignity in the ED and short stay unit.
I had a GP appointment the day after my ED presentation. As a health professional I checked my discharge summary to ensure my GP would have all relevant information. I noticed 2 errors:
- As well as suggesting that GP follow up pathology results, which was correct, it also suggested that there be further neurological investigations - I did not have any neurological symptoms during my ED presentation.
- Medication section of discharge summary the word nil was written. I knew I had been given 1 tablet and IV medication via a syringe driver during my ED admission; I specifically remembered the syringe driver, as I had to hold it at one stage and the attending doctor removed it from the IV cannula, once dose the does was administered, to take my blood tests.
I phoned the hospital to clarify the medication I was given and the dose. I was told that I was in error about the IV medication and that I had been given 2 oral medications - loratadine and dexamethasone - I asked, What doses? The reply was ,The usual dose. I found this response unsatisfactory.
The following day I phoned Bass Coast Health medical records and asked that all paperwork relating to my recent ED presentation be faxed to my GP. This was done in a timely fashion and my GP had received the information prior to my appointment.
My GP asked if I had any neurological symptoms - No.
My GP checked the medication chart - it listed the P/O (oral) loratadine and P/O (oral) dexamethasone 8mg in 2mL (indicating it was an injectable medication - either IV or IMI) the chart also documented an IV flush, again suggesting medication given was IV rather than intramuscular injection (IMI) or P/O. My GP stated he had no doubt that I had been given IV dexamethasone due to my recollection of events and the anomaly in the medication chart i.e. dosage expressed in mg/mL and IV flush given.
As my condition is still under investigation it is vitally important that all documentation relating to my symptoms and my treatment is accurate.
"Inaccuracies in paperwork related to recent ED presentation"
About: Wonthaggi Hospital / Emergency Department Wonthaggi Hospital Emergency Department Wonthaggi 3995
Posted by sculptorqs95 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Jan Child
See more responses from Jan Child
Update posted by sculptorqs95 (the patient) 5 years ago