I fell backwards onto my hand on a concrete floor, by the pain I knew it was broken.
For decades I have praised Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) to people, I think they do a fantastic job and have seen no other hospital cleaned so thoroughly, but, this day I went straight to RMH emergency with a badly broken wrist.
Very soon I saw a Physio who arranged an X-ray and put a half plaster on my arm. I was informed how to care for arm and I asked for a sick certificate. The Physio said they'd give me only 3 days, then sent me home advising I will get an appointment by text, which I did for the following week.
I turned up for appt and was sent to plaster room for full plaster, from there told to go to X-ray, then straight home, don't come back here and if there is a problem you will be notified.
So two days later, I got an appointment date for nearly another week's time, went to the appt and finally saw a doctor almost 2 weeks after the accident. I was told my wrist is mangled and it may be too late to set it straight and that normally the doctor can set it well if seen soon after the break, but I may be able to get an operation and a plate put in at this late stage.
Why didn't I see a doctor in Emergency? I would be happy to wait all day and night to see the right person and not suffer what I believe may be a disability for the rest of my life.
"Physiotherapist assessing broken bones in the ED"
About: Royal Melbourne Hospital / Emergency Department Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department Parkville 3050
Posted by Happywanderer (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from George Braitberg