Overall, the experience was positive, however, being told to come in the morning and watching as everyone who I believe came in later got seen started to wear by mid-afternoon. I was one of two people left waiting to be seen.
I had stressed both at intake and to the booking officer I have a phobia of sharp things and after 4 hours of waiting my phobia was no longer in check and my anxiety had me in tears, in the waiting room.
My health record shows I have bipolar, I suffer anxiety and depression, no one explained why everyone else took priority over me or suggested I go for a walk for time out.
I felt the waiting room was too loud and too bright, there were no quiet places, so I couldn't concentrate on reading.
I understand hospitals are busy places and the surgical ward has to deal with cases also coming in through ER but I think during intake it would be worth checking if people with known mental health issues are asked if they would prefer a quiet place to wait and are not kept waiting to the point where their mental health becomes an issue.
Again, I really commend the staff, the nurses that talked me into calming down and the surgeon and anaesthetist were really calming and caring.
"Anxiety builds to breaking point whilst waiting"
About: Albany Health Campus / Surgical Ward Albany Health Campus Surgical Ward Albany 6330
Posted by novemberkj96 (as ),
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