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Ongoing problems from operation

Posted By cratergd49

"Ongoing problems from operation"

About: Albany Health Campus

(as the patient),

Over a year ago I came to the Emergency Department (ED) after a scan at Stirling Terrace Radiology where my GP had referred me to that day. The scan showed I had a large ovarian cyst and I was in excruciating pain. I was told by the attending doctor this had to be operated on immediately. I received strong pain relief and given a consent form to sign.

After the operation, I did not recover as expected, continued to be febrile, in pain and generally deteriorating. I understand I was septic. The operation was earlier in the week and it was not till the end of the week the surgeon who performed the operation came to tell me that my ureter has been severed during the operation, and I would have to be sent to another hospital via flying doctors that night. The same Doctor told my spouse this when they met in the corridor. They put me in the ambulance to meet the flying doctors and had to return to Albany Hospital as there was an issue with getting me on the flight, so I went on the weekend instead. At this hospital they attempted to repair the ureter unsuccessfully, tried again the next day, unsuccessful. So three operations in six days.

When I woke up that day I had a Nephrostomy tube in my right kidney with a urine bag attached. I was told I would have to have this for four months before another repair could be attempted. The tube also had to be changed every six weeks. Four months of trauma, pain, infections, etc. And not able to work during this time.

Towards the end of the year I had the operation again at the second hospital to have the repair done, this was successful and left me with a vertical scar of about 35cm and six weeks recovery time. Said scar has now left me with a hernia where my bowel protrudes in front of my pubic bone. This now also needs repair.

Because of my kidney being compromised, medications etc.my teeth have also been affected and I am now in the process of having an upper denture fitted.

In all this time I have not had any contact from Albany Hospital, apology or any communication. I am unable to get any compensation as I apparently signed a consent form.

Needless to say, I will not have the hernia repair done at Albany Hospital.

I am very fearful of any hospital now and so disappointed not to have any apology, communication or anything for a botched operation with such far-reaching effects.

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Responses

Response from Dr Barbara King, Director of Medical Services, Albany Health Campus 4 years ago
Dr Barbara King
Director of Medical Services,
Albany Health Campus

Submitted on 3/12/2019 at 4:16 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:17 PM

Dear cratergd49,

I have read the story of your experience at Albany Health Campus. It is a very difficult story to read and I am so very sorry for what happened to you and for the trauma that this has caused you and your family.

The Chief Executive of WA Country Health Service has read your story and it has been reviewed by the Executive Management Team of Albany Health Campus. All have expressed their sincere concern about your health and wellbeing and are keen to ensure there is follow up with you.

We would value the opportunity to speak with you, either by phone or in a meeting, at a time when it is convenient for you. You are most welcome to bring along a support person if you would like. I would like to listen to your experience first-hand and support you in lessening your fears about any future hospital treatment you may need. If you would like to contact me, please feel free to call me on 9892 2629 or via email at Barbara.King@health.wa.gov.au

I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Dr Barbara King

Director of Medical Services, Albany Health Campus

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Response from Dr Barbara King, Director of Medical Services, Albany Health Campus 4 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Dr Barbara King
Director of Medical Services,
Albany Health Campus

Submitted on 14/04/2020 at 12:48 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 12:58 PM

Dear cratergd49,

Thank you so much for contacting me and then taking the time to meet with me and your treating team. We were privileged to come to understand your courage through this difficult time. I was glad to know that the meeting with us offered you some clarity around events and perhaps brought you some closure.

As a result of your feedback, we are looking at introducing a formal process to ensure that we speak directly with our patients following inter-hospital transfer. In the past, our follow-up has predominantly been with the receiving medical team at the metropolitan hospital. Your experience has helped us to understand the importance of ongoing communication and support from your local hospital, even when under the care of another hospital.

As discussed, please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything further I can assist with. You can contact me on 9892 2629 or via Nadia on 9892 2647 or email Nadia.Ozaibi@health.wa.gov.au

Yours sincerely

Dr Barbara King

Director of Medical Services, Albany Health Campus

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