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Care Opinion

Lack of communication about nurse visits

Posted By stoneqx88

"Lack of communication about nurse visits"

About: Hospital Admissions Risk Program - Eastern Health Maroondah Hospital

(as the patient),

I was discharged from Maroondah hospital with heart failure and diabetes some months ago. Soon after, a cardiac HARP (Hospital Admission Risk Program) nurse rang me and arranged a visit.

After a while it became obvious to me that the cardiac nurse could do no more than talk to me; although I enjoyed that a lot. Soon after they got in touch to say that they wouldn't be visiting any more.

My diabetes nurse could suggest changes to the number of units of insulin I injected morning and night and ask about my diet. I would often email them the results of my blood sugar monitoring. One day, I asked them why they never suggested changing my insulin dosage in other than an even number of units. My blood sugar readings had nearly become stable. Their response was that I'd misunderstood their role and they wouldn't be communicating with me any more.

So the unexpected HARP nurse visits both suddenly stopped without explanation. I felt it was probably due to factors beyond their control and was disappointed that I was not let in on the secret.

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Responses

Response from David Plunkett, Chief Executive, Eastern Health 4 years ago
David Plunkett
Chief Executive,
Eastern Health

Submitted on 29/01/2020 at 8:23 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 10:00 AM

picture of David Plunkett

Dear stoneqx88

Thank you so much for sharing these comments regarding the cessation of visits from the nurses within the HARP Program. It is clear we have left you wondering why these changes have been made and I'm sorry we didnt handle this better.

Whilst these nurses may not have needed to support you further in this way, I am hopeful you are aware of how to manage your diabetes should anything happen and your readings dont remain as stable as they are. If you would like to explore this further, or for the manager of the HARP service to discuss your experience with you, could I ask if you can please contact the Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience either on 1800 EASTERN or feedback@easternhealth.org.au and I trust the Patient Relations Advisor will be able to ask the relevant manager to get in contact with you.

Notwithstanding this, I trust you are in good health and keeping yourself fit and well.

Kind regards

David

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