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Application for PATS assistance

Posted By frostnr48

"Application for PATS assistance"

About: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - WACHS Midwest

(as the patient),

My G.P. requested I go to a Perth hospital - St John of God Subiaco - for a colonoscopy. When I applied to PATS a few weeks ago, sent all the relevant forms through, someone called and insisted that wasn't enough and I would need a specialist to verify my condition. This isn't easy for me to do until I get to Perth. 

One of my parents died of bowel cancer and I have had a follow-up colonoscopy for a number of years. I had a note saying I was due for one. When the G.P. learned I reacted badly to anaesthetic, they said I would need to go to a major hospital. I believe this is not my choice. Many years ago, I believe the Orthopaedic surgeon was so concerned about my situation they replaced both hips with use of an epidural.

Because the Perth appointment is in 8 days time I have had to pay for my own airfare.

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Responses

Response from Michele Young, REOC Lead, Executive Services, WACHS-Midwest 4 years ago
Michele Young
REOC Lead, Executive Services,
WACHS-Midwest

Submitted on 11/03/2020 at 12:15 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 12:18 PM

picture of Michele Young

Dear frostnr48,

Thank you for contacting us via Patient Opinion with concerns about the eligibility requirements for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS). I am concerned about the issues you have faced and apologise this has caused you further worries whilst you prepare for your upcoming surgery.

The PATS is a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation for permanent country residents to access the nearest eligible specialist medical service. If the service is available locally, which colonoscopy is in Geraldton, further information is required to support travel outside of the region to have the procedure completed. It sounds like your reason for needing to go to Perth would be considered appropriate and if this information is provided back to the PATS Clerk we can progress the booking of appropriate travel and accommodation. While it is normal practice for PATS to request further information regarding applications to make sure we provide you with the maximum level of support available, I am sorry this process has caused you additional stress. For help with progressing your application please contact Karen Street, Regional Coordinator PATS Midwest on 9956 1962 or email karen.street@health.wa.gov.au.

The WA Country Health Service also has some further information about PATS available online which may be helpful for you. It is available at http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/index.php?id=pats.

I hope that your procedure goes well, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any assistance, on phone 9956 8695 or email michele.young@health.wa.gov.au.

Kind Regards

Michele

Coordinator Executive Services

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