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Bureaucratic systems

Posted By Gastroparesis sufferer

"Bureaucratic systems"

About: St George Hospital / Ambulatory Care Services Sutherland Hospital / General Medical Unit Sutherland Hospital / Warada

(as a parent/guardian),

As a long term gastroparesis sufferer, my child is unable to absorb fluid through natural digestive processes. Therefore, they require fluid and potassium replenishment via IV fluid replacement every 4 days. Prior to fluid replacement, my child needs to have a blood test which can take 24 hours.

There are facilities available at both St George (Ambulatory Care) and Sutherland hospitals (RADIUS Clinic), however, in my opinion, the bureaucratic hurdles to their use, generally mean that my child attends emergency departments due to the unnecessary barriers erected by the hospitals.

Our life, therefore, involves bouncing between the emergency departments of St George, Sutherland and occasionally the clinics mentioned above, plus the Infusion Clinic at Randwick.

I believe, if the senior management of SESLHD could provide a single point of contact with appropriate authority, we could provide a controlled, safe management structure which would allow my child to maintain their health. 

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Responses

Response from Paul Darcy, General Manager, St George Hospital 3 years ago
Paul Darcy
General Manager,
St George Hospital

General Manager of St George Hospital

Submitted on 28/01/2021 at 12:32 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:43 PM

Dear Gastroparesis sufferer,

Thank you for taking the time to write of your experience with St George Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Unit.

I was very disappointed to read that you have found accessing our services to be difficult and bureaucratic. It is our aim to provide access to safe and reliable health care and to reduce presentations to the Emergency Department.

I would ask you to contact our Patient Experience Manager, on 9113 2687 so we can investigate your concerns more thoroughly and help provide a more streamlined service for your child.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Darcy

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Response from Vicki Weeden, General Manager, The Sutherland Hospital & Garrawarra Centre 3 years ago
Vicki Weeden
General Manager,
The Sutherland Hospital & Garrawarra Centre

Submitted on 29/01/2021 at 8:42 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 9:51 AM

picture of Vicki Weeden

Dear Gastroparesis sufferer,

I am sorry to hear of your child’s battle with gastroparesis which must be difficult for them and disruptive to their everyday life.

I understand your desire to have their treatment coordinated, preferably at one site, to reduce the need to attend emergency departments and various clinics.

Should you wish further assistance, please contact our Consumer Feedback Manager at Sutherland Hospital, on 9540 8523 to discuss this matter further.

Thank you and best wishes.

Vicki Weeden

General Manager

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