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"My tooth got chipped during surgery"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Elective & Emergency Orthopaedic Surgery & Bone Tissue Bank

(as the patient),

I presented for surgery on my shoulder earlier this year. 

I was a private patient and was supposed to get some benefits which included the consultant do my surgery and a private room if there were any available. 

Both these things did not happen in my case as well as multiple other things that resulted in a very unpleasant experience from the start and during my recovery which is still ongoing. 

Although, this is not what I am writing about. On top of everything else, I also woke up with a chipped tooth which I believe was caused by the anaesthetist during surgery. I brought this to the attention of the staff and was given a form and told that the hospital would cover my dental costs. 

I have filled out all relevant forms and contacted the Consumer Engagement Unit on multiple occasions only to keep getting the same answer that a review has taken place and the hospital is not taking responsibility. 

I have asked for an explanation on how the hospital came up with this conclusion but have not received any answers to my questions. 

Final correspondence from staff has been that they will no longer be replying to my emails. 

I have also contacted The FOI unit and have received a copy of my file which clearly states that my teeth were checked and signed off pre-surgery. 

In light of all of this, I would just like to add that the nursing staff post-surgery were exemplary and would like to thank them for their care.  

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Responses

Response from Lesley Bennett, Chief Executive, East Metropolitan Health Service 4 years ago
Lesley Bennett
Chief Executive,
East Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 2/09/2019 at 1:01 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:35 PM


picture of Lesley Bennett

Dear zulufb35,

I empathise with you and apologise that you were left unhappy with the treatment you received at Royal Perth Hospital and I can understand your frustration with the outcome. Thank you also for your feedback with regard to the benefits that you were advised you would receive as a private patient. It is important that our staff are knowledgeable about exactly what patients can expect as a private patient, so that it is communicated accurately. I apologise that this wasn’t made clear to you. A choice of specialist doctor and a private room are available to private patients, where possible, unfortunately on some occasions, due to severity of other cases it is not possible for us to provide these. More detailed information about this can be found on the Royal Perth Hospital website. Thank you for recognising the nursing care you received post-surgery. I will ensure that this feedback is passed along to the team.

Again, I am sorry that you have been left unhappy with your experience at Royal Perth Hospital.

Yours Sincerely

Dr Lesley Bennett

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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