I was recently flown by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for major heart disease and associated health conditions. While I stayed in hospital, the surgeon prescribed 3 more medications to help prepare me for the operation. I was provided hospital transport to East Perth where I caught a bus back to Perth. I was informed that my surgery would take place and given the relevant paperwork to that effect. On this occasion I had seen the hospital dentist and had some dental work done. The dentist also gave me a letter to give to the public dentist in Geraldton stating that I need dentures urgently due to having major surgery soon. This I duly did as soon as I got back to Geraldton.
I travelled from Geraldton to Perth a few weeks later where I was booked into a motel ready for my for my appointment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital the next day.
Arrived before appointed time and was told that I could not be found on the system. I had the hard copy of my appointment on hand. After several hours I was informed that an email had been sent from one department to another within the hospital a week prior saying that my surgery had been cancelled due to problems with my teeth. I had not been informed, hence my being in Perth.
I managed to see the surgeon and was informed that surgery could after all be performed a few days later. So, I had to re-book my hotel room for another few nights. I had explained to nurses and others that I had not been to Perth for 30 years and had absolutely nobody to help me in Perth. The loft was fully booked.
I was told to be at Short Stay Unit on the day of surgery at set time and arrived half an hour early. I sat there for 3 hours watching all these people go through until I was the last one left. Finally I was informed that my surgery had once again been cancelled. When I asked why they said it was unavailability of ICU beds. I could not believe that I am having major heart surgery and they have no way to take care of me directly after my surgery.
The nice nurse in charge managed to get me a flight that afternoon payed for by Patient Assistant Transport Scheme (PATS) I believe.
So, the upshot of all this is I have lost a week of work, it has been a major inconvenience, and I am out approximately $600 after paying the balance after PATS for accommodation, food, and taxis. And still nothing has been done.
I am also unsure whether to carry on with the medications that the surgeon prescribed to prepare me for surgery. I also have no idea when/if I will be re-booked for surgery. Some clarification would be appreciated.
I have also been informed and it is in one of the handouts that I was given that I have to stay in Perth for one week after release after eventual surgery. How do I do this, as stated above, I have nobody.
"Delayed heart surgery with no communication"
About: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Nedlands 6009
Posted by volanscf58 (as ),
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