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Patient care and the elderly

Posted By hotelpd98

"Patient care and the elderly"

About: Narrogin Health Service / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

My parent recently attended Narrogin Regional Hospital Emergency Department (ED) and was discharged late in the night to drive some 50km to their home.

Whilst they received care during their time in the ED department, I find it disappointing that they were discharged and not provided a bed for the night.  In my opinion, their spouse should have been sent home earlier in the evening to save travel in the middle of the night.  

My parent took some days to recover from their ordeal and subsequently attended their specialist in Perth for follow up due to a problem showing up on their scan taken that evening, which I believe was not highlighted on the evening.

My parent is now recovering slowly and is very upset over their treatment. In my opinion, it would have had a better result if they had been admitted for the night.

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Responses

Response from Rachele Ferrari, Regional Director, Wheatbelt, WA Country Health, Wheatbelt 3 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Rachele Ferrari
Regional Director, Wheatbelt,
WA Country Health, Wheatbelt

Submitted on 3/08/2020 at 4:52 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 4/08/2020 at 10:17 AM

picture of Rachele Ferrari

Dear hotelpd98,

Thank you sharing your story with us - I was genuinely sorry to read about your parent's experience at Narrogin Hospital. I do hope your parent is recovering well and wanted to assure you we have listened to your story and will be improving how we deliver care. Being considerate and understanding of patients individual needs is vital and we could have offered your parent a bed while waiting for their scan result.

At the WACHS Wheatbelt Executive Meeting on Friday last week, we talked about your story and another that was similar at Northam Hospital. Dr Peter Barratt, the Regional Medical Director is now leading work on our process to guide staff when discharging people who are most vulnerable from Emergency Departments and hospital. This includes the elderly, parents with young children and those who may not have a safe place to go to.

Whilst I can not change the experience your parent had, I hope what we learn and change from their story will mean the concern you raised is not repeated.

If you would like to talk further to the Narrogin Hospital Operations Manager, Jenny Menasse is very happy to be contacted on 9881 0413 or via email jenny.menasse@health.wa.gov.au.

Kind Regards,

Rachele Ferrari

Acting Regional Director - Wheatbelt

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