My partner was in ED for a dislocation, we fully understand this would be triaged low and were well prepared for a long wait time. What was disappointing was the wait time for my partner to receive any form of pain relief and the comments and apparent lack of compassion from the triage nurse.
My partner was in visible excruciating pain, and it took three hours for them to receive any form of pain medication. During this time I had to ask twice if they was able to get something to help with the pain, which was just frustrating as we saw many people arrive and be given pain relief at the Triage desk.
The first time asking was roughly just over an hour from our arrival, which granted isn't long, and the Triage nurse said it's been flagged and the waiting room nurse is on their way. The waiting room nurse came out a little while later and said they were there to organise what pain relief would be best and would be back with some shortly.
Then another 1.5 hours went by and my partner had still not received any pain relief, and their pain was getting worse, so I went and asked the Triage nurse again for an update and explained to them that the waiting room nurse hadn't come back for 1.5 hours. I was met with the response asking me if I see the pile of papers, and that all these people are waiting on pain relief, what do I want and that the last patient waited 4 hours for theirs.
I was so shocked and appalled by this response. I get that this wasn't a life-threatening injury and it was a busy night, but I don't think my request needed to be met with such a rude response.
I just wanted to share this as I believe people should be met with a little empathy or care in these situations as they are anxious and uncomfortable times.
I'd also like to share that shortly after this, my partner did receive pain medication.
I also wanted to share that they received wonderful care from the Doctors and nurses when they were seen and treated, and they actually commented on how long it took my partner to receive pain relief and said they couldn't believe my partner was left there for three hours with nothing.
"Emergency Department"
About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / Emergency Department Fiona Stanley Hospital Emergency Department Murdoch 6150
Posted by antliamj35 (as ),
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