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"Spoken to in an impolite manner"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a carer),

My spouse was sent from our GP to the emergency department as their oxygen levels were dangerously low with a letter for the hospital Drs. When I arrived I was unable to park my car close to the hospital emergency department to take my frail, unwell spouse into ED as all drop off areas where in use. Consequently I parked my car in a disabled parking area and walked across to ED.

Here I asked if I could have access to a wheelchair to get my spouse from the car into emergency. I was told I couldn't take a wheelchair out into the parking area. I mentioned how I couldn't get close enough to bring my spouse in. A nurse then told me I could use the emergency parking to bring them in. This I did. While my spouse was being accessed a security staff I believe came in and demanded to know if it was my car parked in the emergency parking zone. I felt they did not inquire in a polite manner. I felt they yelled at me and demanded I move my car. At no time did I intend to park there for a long time. I felt humiliated and angry to be yelled at in that manner. I realise they aren't hospital staff but more than likely employed by the hospital I believe for security purposes. It is not a nice feeling being told off in this manner, then have to walk through a crowded waiting room with all eyes on you as you exit to do as instructed.

I have no complaints with the hospital staff as they were very nice towards me. This happened recently around midday. I couldn't tell who the person was except to say I believe they were very tall and dressed in a black security quard uniform. In my opinion, they need a lesson on how to talk to people in a polite manner.

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Responses

Response from Derek Fraser, Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital, WA Country Health Service 2 years ago
Derek Fraser
Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital,
WA Country Health Service
Submitted on 4/08/2021 at 7:00 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 5/08/2021 at 8:53 AM


picture of Derek Fraser

Dear Libra52,

Firstly let me apologise for your experience at Geraldton Hospital at what would have been a very stressful time for you and your partner. I can appreciate that being spoken to impolitely about parking in a place you were told you could park in so that your partner could safely get into the ED would have been upsetting for you. Your experience does not align with our commitment to be compassionate, kind, and welcoming and I would like to reassure you that the communication you describe is not in line with the values of WACHS or our expectations of staff behaviour.

I have spoken with our security staff team leader to ensure your feedback is acted upon and am also available should you wish to discuss your concerns with me directly. If you would like to do this, you can contact me on phone 9956 2369 or email derek.fraser@health.wa.gov.au. Your call would be very welcome.

Thank you for also sharing your positive feedback about our Emergency Department team. I am pleased to hear your other interactions with staff were positive. Our Emergency Department team strive to provide a reassuring and calming presence when our consumers most need it.

Kind Regards,

Derek Fraser

Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital

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