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"Emergency department"

About: Bunbury Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I have reoccurring cellulitis infections in my knees and ankles. I believe Bunbury hospital is now sick of seeing me, referrals to numerous specialists no help.

Presented to Bunbury ED several days into the infection (in my opinion, if I present earlier, even though in excruciating pain, the staff will utterly deny clear visible signs of infection).

Presented in excruciating pain with a red leg three times its normal size. Was advised by the triage clinician that I would be waiting for hours. 

As the hours passed the waiting room emptied. But then after several people presenting and waiting short periods and going through, it starts to frustrate me. I find it hard to believe that every person before and especially after me was more urgent. 

If I dare try to query as to how much longer or why I'm waiting in tears and agony, I feel I am repetitively interrupted with the response that I don't know what other people's issues are. I feel this is said in a very assertive aggressive way. 

With this kind of treatment and being in agony, I left the hospital (my last few visits are almost identical). 

I was able to get oral antibiotics from a GP phone consult. It's now day 14, still in excruciating pain, the swelling has reduced but still can't walk. Just hoping the infection doesn't get into my blood as I believe I'll have to drive to Perth. 

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Responses

Response from Jeremy Higgins, Operations Manager - Inland, WACHS South West 3 years ago
Jeremy Higgins
Operations Manager - Inland,
WACHS South West
Submitted on 2/07/2020 at 5:11 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 3/07/2020 at 9:21 AM


picture of Jeremy Higgins

Dear phaseky78,

I am the A/Operations Manager at Bunbury Hospital and am concerned to hear of your experience in the Emergency Department. I am really worried that you are currently in pain and can’t walk.

Could you please call me on my phone 0438 062 341 so I can help with your immediate well-being and address the concerns you have shared from your past presentations to the hospital.

Kind regards,

Jeremy Higgins | A/ Operations Manager

WA Country Health Service South West, Bunbury Hospital

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Response from Jeremy Higgins, Operations Manager - Inland, WACHS South West 3 years ago
Jeremy Higgins
Operations Manager - Inland,
WACHS South West
Submitted on 3/07/2020 at 7:49 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 6/07/2020 at 9:00 AM


picture of Jeremy Higgins

Dear phaseky78,

Thank you for calling me and sharing your experience in the Emergency Department. I'm glad to hear your condition has improved and you don't need immediate medical attention.

Thank you also or making contact with our complaints officer and I am pleased to hear they are assisting you with the specific concerns we discussed. As promised, I will also arrange someone from our community team to reach out and make contact with you next week to see how you are going.

Please be assured the Emergency Department is here for you 24/7 when needed. We will ensure your feedback is provided to our front line staff to address the concerns you have raised, and I sincerely hope you have a more positive experience if you need to use the services in the future.

If you are ever concerned or feel you have not had an appropriate response when in the Emergency Department or hospital please call CARE Call which can be phoned 24/7 on 1800 744 059. When you call CARE Call your concerns will be heard by a senior member of staff who will assist.

Kind regards,

Jeremy Higgins

A/Operations Manager Bunbury Hospital

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