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Care Opinion

PATS ineligibility

Posted By venusds66

"PATS ineligibility"

About: Patient Assisted Travel Scheme - WACHS Midwest

(as the patient),

I have been an outpatient of SCGH since many years ago when I was flown down from Dongara/Geraldton on the RFDS, spent a few days in ICU 10 days in hospital and was not allowed to come straight home to Dongara as  I believe there were not the facilities to cope with my late-onset Type 1 Diabetes (NOT type 2 which I feel is a lifestyle illness).

I have had a number of unfortunate bad consultations with Dongara and Geraldton so-called diabetes experts. One expert in Dongara told me I should have eaten another sandwich and they would look up on Type 1. And the other told me to come back when I wanted a pump!

I have been to diabetes WA for assistance and have been to SCGH for all my check ups and when I asked my specialist they advised me that would continue for the rest of my life. I am at the present time a pensioner. My local medical centre closed its doors at the start of the year when my doctor resigned, therefore I could not get the paperwork signed. Another doctor at SCGH did sign it but I believe they didn't think it would do any good.

I feel that the Dongara and Geraldton educator/dieticians have not been able to help me in the past so why would I be tempted to see anyone in Geraldton again. I do not intend to see anyone in Geraldton who probably won't last working there for even as long as I survive.

I feel I will never be cured, I take 4 injections and carb count all my food.

I have received PATS in the past, I will always be having my check ups at SCGH  and if the PATS officer can't see out of the box maybe someone else should tack over in my opinion.

Very upset with the non-service I have received.

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Responses

Response from Liz Kelly, A/Coordinator Executive Services, WA Country Health Service Midwest 4 years ago
Liz Kelly
A/Coordinator Executive Services,
WA Country Health Service Midwest

Submitted on 2/04/2020 at 3:56 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:16 PM

picture of Liz Kelly

Dear venusds66,

Thank you for sharing your story with us on Care Opinion. I am sincerely sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing in relation to the care and management of your diabetes, including what you describe as conflicting advice. I am also sorry to hear that you have experienced some problems with our Patient Assisted Travel Scheme.

This is obviously a challenging and stressful time for you and we would like to help and support you as much as we can.

We would really like to talk with you about what we can do to help you and would appreciate it if you could please contact me on phone 9956 8724 or email liz.kelly@health.wa.gov.au. Alternatively you can contact Di Franklin, A/Operations Manager Midwest Murchison on 9956 8719 or email Di.Franklin@health.wa.gov.au

We hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Liz Kelly

A/Coordinator Executive Services

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Update posted by venusds66 (the patient)

Can I now apply for PATS when visiting SCGH as is normal for me for many years, and for the rest of my life according to my specialist at SCGH?

I have had an application approved in the past but have since been informed I must visit Geraldton which I will not do!

Regards.

Response from Liz Kelly, A/Coordinator Executive Services, WA Country Health Service Midwest 4 years ago
Liz Kelly
A/Coordinator Executive Services,
WA Country Health Service Midwest

Submitted on 6/04/2020 at 7:55 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 7/04/2020 at 9:00 AM

picture of Liz Kelly

Dear venusds66

Thank you for responding on Care Opinion with your questions about the eligibility requirements for the Patient Assistance Travel Subsidy (PATS). I am very sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with getting the information you need about an application and that this is causing you additional stress whilst you seek support for managing diabetes.

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, further information is required to support travel outside of this area. I would really appreciate it if you could contact me so that we can discuss what services you use and work out what support we may be able to provide to you. You can contact me on 9956 8724 or email liz.kelly@health.wa.gov.au.

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

Please be assured that your call would be very welcome and your anonymity can be maintained if you wish. I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Liz

A/Coordinator Executive Services

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