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General Practice care

Posted By Howcanweimprove?

"General Practice care"

About: Derby Hospital / General Practice Service

(as the patient),

I have been a resident in Derby for a number of years and have seen so many doctors come and go in that time. I need to see the same doctor for the management of my care and unfortunately can’t attend the other GP service that operates in town.

Over the last 12 months, I have been lucky enough to build a good relationship with the female doctor who works at the clinic 1 day a week, but when I have flare-ups I find that I can’t get in to see her at short notice. At the moment the first available appointment is 3 weeks away!!! I know I have the option to go to ED, but this isn’t an emergency, just a big inconvenience.

I have a good understanding of what my healthcare needs are but I hate having to repeat myself every time I see someone new so that they understand my history. It is because of this I’ll not see anyone new when I have flare-ups. I’ve gotten to the point of not even bothering to ring to see if I can get in! Instead, I just manage at home in the best way I know how and tell the dr when I do manage to get an appointment. I have been told that this is not in the best interest of my overall treatment needs, but what else am I supposed to do?

Just because I choose to live somewhere so remote, shouldn’t mean that my access to continuity of care should be any less than that in the next town or city. What steps are the clinic/management taking to try and fix this? What could we as a community do to help?

I would like to acknowledge and compliment the staff within the clinic!! They are always helpful, patient and welcoming. It’s part of what makes Derby so special in my opinion.

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Responses

Response from Nick Mildenhall, Operations Manager, West Kimberley Health Service, Kimberley Country Health Service 2 years ago
Nick Mildenhall
Operations Manager, West Kimberley Health Service,
Kimberley Country Health Service

Submitted on 31/05/2021 at 1:37 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:37 PM

Dear Howcanweimprove?

Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your frustration and concerns. I am sorry that we have not been able to provide continuity of care that is so important in managing ongoing illness.

The health service recognises the importance of the General Practice Clinic and I would like to reassure you we are constantly working towards a more stable and diverse services. Recently we have been able to recruit a second female General Practitioner, meaning there are three doctors operating from the clinic.

Both female doctors have other commitments to delivering health care to the Derby community so they don’t always have General Practice appointment availability at short notice. In these situations, we don’t want you to feel the only option is for you to self-manage your condition. I am keen to ensure that an appropriate plan is developed where the health service can provide prompt and effective care. If you are comfortable in doing so I ask that you contact our Senior Medical Officer Chris Wium on 9195 3344 or christian.wium@health.wa.gov.au to discuss your health needs in more detail.

We are always happy when community members take an active interest in the health service and how to make improvements. The best avenue to support and advocate for the health service is through the Derby District Health Advisory Council (DHAC). If you would like to find out more about the DHAC or become a member please contact Marie Richardson, our a/Quality Coordinator on 9193 3971 or WK.QualityCoordinator@health.wa.gov.au.

Thanks for sharing your story, and again I apologise for the inconvenience you have experienced.

Nick Mildenhall

Operations Manager, West Kimberley

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