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"Wait times when you're a carer pt2"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Breast Cancer Care & Support

(as a carer),

So, I would like to provide an update to my first story about wait times.

It was the next instalment of chemo for my spouse, so I was very interested to see how the dealing of the wait times issue has been implemented. Sorry, but not surprised to say, in my opinion, it hasn't!

I parked up and dropped off my spouse 10 minutes before their appointment time (paying for parking in Perth city!). My spouse was told that they wouldn't be treated for another 2 hours (in my opinion, 2 hours of non-required waiting time). I believe the staff were running late at the new given time, so treatment didn't start for another 45 minutes after that (I believe the infusion should only take 45 minutes). I received a message from my spouse 45 minutes after the new time saying they won't be finished for another 30 minutes. Waiting until that time, I received another message saying they still haven't been unplugged, so a bit longer needed.

That's up to 4 hours for a 45-minute process and I believe hospitals are crying out for more space, beds, staff, etc. Based on my experience, maybe the efficiencies (or in my opinion, lack of) is a good place to start?

I'd be interested to see your reply to this one!

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Responses

Response from Joel Gurr, Executive Director Clinical Service Strategy and Population Health, Subscriber: CE Executive Leadership Group, East Metropolitan Health Service 3 years ago
Joel Gurr
Executive Director Clinical Service Strategy and Population Health, Subscriber: CE Executive Leadership Group,
East Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 3/09/2020 at 6:26 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 4/09/2020 at 8:58 AM


Dear browsertk63,

I am truly sorry to hear that you and your spouse continue to have lengthy delays whilst attending chemotherapy and for the additional distress this must be causing at an already stressful time. It was disappointing to read.

Please be reassured I have had further discussions with the Director responsible for this area who has advised they are currently reviewing the process with the team in the hope of improving patient treatment times. There are a number of factors and demands to consider and this may take some time.

Unfortunately, without specific details I am unable to comment on your situation directly, however as previously advised if you would like to discuss your concerns personally, please contact the Consumer Engagement Unit on 9224 1636, 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday or email RPBG.Feedback@health.wa.gov.au

I again, extend my sincere apologies for the additional stress this process has caused your family and wish your spouse all the best for a speedy recovery.

Kind Regards,

Joel Gurr

A/Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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