"I felt like no one wants to treat me"

Recently I fronted up at Rockingham General Hospital.

I had just experienced weakness down one side of my body, including a drooping face. I have Antiphospholipid syndrome and blood clots are very common, and I have already experienced two mini strokes (TIA's - Transient Ischaemic Attack).

By the time I got to the hospital the weakness was wearing off and my facial expressions were returning. However, my spouse insisted I still need to be checked out as it is possible it could happen again.

Each time I have attended Emergency Department (ED) at Rockingham General Hospital with these symptoms, the Triage Nurse knows it could be a potential stroke/blood clot happening, and I am usually treated straightaway.

Triage were concerned when I was giving them the details, however, once the information was given that I am undergoing chemo treatment and my last treatment was over a week ago, I was told to sit in the waiting room and wait to be called.

ED was very busy, I believe there were lots of sprains, and cuts, and headaches etc, and I can appreciate a waiting time as all patients are seen on their priority. Mine apparently was not concerning because it appears everyone that had walked through the emergency door after me had now been seen, 3 hours later I am still sitting there.

Other times when I had the TIA's (mini strokes) I was a top priority, however, I was now a cancer patient, and undergoing chemo, and it looks like no one wants to treat me. I believe it must be because I have cancer. I feel you should hang your head in shame Rockingham Hospital.

I felt like because I am having chemo I wasn't worth treating.  

We left the hospital 3 hours later (still sitting in the waiting room) without being seen.