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Communication between surgeons

Posted By 123abc

"Communication between surgeons"

About: Broome Health Campus / Theatre

(as the patient),

I consulted a surgeon in the specialist clinic at Broome Hospital who referred me for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. I was booked in and undertook all of the necessary bowel prep. On the day of my procedure I was seen by a different surgeon who spoke to me and asked me multiple questions about why I was having a colonoscopy. I explained I have celiac disease and that I had not had any check ups of my bowel since over ten years ago. They told me it was not actually necessary for celiac disease to have a colonoscopy but that they could go ahead with it because I had done the bowel prep. I questioned why I was referred for both procedures if the colonoscopy was not necessary and the doctor said that probably the other surgeon just copied what was on my GP referral.  

I am very unhappy that I had to go through the extensive and unpleasant bowel prep for what the surgeon told me was an unnecessary procedure. I also felt uncomfortable with how they questioned me when I was in the bay ready to go into theatre, I had not eaten for two days and was not feeling well and they questioned me as if I was the referring surgeon. 

All other staff were fantastic, they looked after me before and after the procedure wonderfully and should be acknowledged for all the tireless hard work they put in to looking after their patients.

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Responses

Response from Sue Phillips, Regional Director of Medical Services, WA Country Health Service Kimberley 4 years ago
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Sue Phillips
Regional Director of Medical Services,
WA Country Health Service Kimberley

Manages the Medical Services across the Kimberley region

Submitted on 24/06/2019 at 6:30 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 25/06/2019 at 8:51 AM

Dear 123abc,

Thank you for sharing your story. It is not acceptable that you were placed in the situation of undergoing the discomfort of bowel preparation for a colonoscopy without meaningful informed consent having been undertaken with you well before the procedure.

I suspect that one of the factors that led to this situation is our current reliance on medical locums as a result of the challenges we face in recruiting to positions in the Kimberley. Our locum surgeons are excellent, but there have been many of them.

I am pleased to report that we are addressing this. We have had a win recently with the successful recruitment to one of our vacant consultant surgeon positions having just been announced. There is no doubt that permanency in these positions improves the care we can provide to our community, as it reduces the risk associated with multiple clinical handovers.

In the interim, I will be sharing your story with our consultant surgeon locum team. Patient stories about their experiences are powerful in helping our staff understand the consequences of action or inaction. True informed consent is vital in our surgical service, and I will ensure that our surgeons are reminded of my expectation in meeting this standard.

Thank you for also providing feedback that the whole theatre team were fantastic in delivering your care. We are proud of the job they do in efficiently and compassionately helping patients through what is a stressful and often painful medical journey.

Thank you once again for your feedback - please do not hesitate to call me if you would like to discuss this further. I can be contacted on 08- 91952453.

Yours sincerely,

Sue

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