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Care Opinion

My health is getting worse

Posted By Peper100

"My health is getting worse"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Neurology & Epilepsy Service & Neuro-surgery & Ward 5H

(as other),

About four and a half months ago I started to get constant headaches but only on the right side of my head, my doctor gave me some meds that eased it, for a short time. Then I got out of bed one morning and the side of my face was all numb and the headaches were really bad, my doc sent me off for a brain scan.

The results were Cerebral volume loss with white matter ischaemic changes. They referred me to Royal Perth neurology. That was about five weeks ago, I am still waiting for an appointment. This is so shocking to let someone wait for so long who has had a number of falls and constant headaches and dizziness, I can not go to work or even do things in the garden because of feeling like I am going to faint. My doctor did put me in touch with a private doctor in the hope that I will be seen sooner, but I can not see them until mid-December. I am so angry and frustrated right now.

If anyone can advise me on what I can do to speed things up I would be very grateful. Thank you.

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Responses

Response from George Eskander, Acting Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 2 years ago
George Eskander
Acting Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group

Submitted on 10/09/2021 at 9:57 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 9:58 AM

picture of George Eskander

Dear Peper100,

I was saddened to hear of the frustration and anger you are experiencing while waiting for a Neurology appointment at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) and acknowledge the significant impact your health issues are having on your quality of life. We are committed to providing the highest quality health care we can for our patients and I would like to sincerely apologise that your experience has not been a positive one.

All our outpatient clinics, including Neurology, have an extremely high demand with many thousands of referrals each year. Patients are seen according to the urgency of their condition which can only be assessed by the information provided on the referral. However, as you have explained, your symptoms appear to be worsening and I acknowledge this must be a very worrying time for you. I recommend you see your GP again to discuss your concerns and deteriorating health. If your GP feels there is a need for a more urgent assessment then we would welcome them to contact our Neurology department directly to provide any additional information that will help prioritise your referral. In the event that even more urgent care is required, I would urge you to attend your nearest Emergency Department.

We endeavour to deliver a high standard of patient-centred care at RPH and if you are comfortable in doing so, I would like to offer you the opportunity to discuss your concerns by calling the Consumer Engagement Unit on (08) 9224 1637, 8am to 4pm or email RPBG.feedback@health.wa.gov.au. I hope we are able to be of assistance in addressing your concerns.

Kind regards

George Eskander

Acting Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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Update posted by Peper100 (other)

Thank you very much for answering my story.

We went to RPH emergency last week, I woke up with bad chest pains and also another fall and my spouse took me straight to emergency as that is where my doc said to go if anything more happens, thankfully my heart was all good but they did a few tests because of my headaches and dizziness and my falls. The doctor there, Katheryn, was so kind and understanding, she also said how sorry she was to hear that I have been waiting for so long.

In the end, she said she would send a letter to the neurology department and that she would red flag it as she thinks I should see someone asap.

About a week before I went to RPH. I went and saw my doctor as I had an email before asking for me to tell my doctor to phone the neurology department at RPH.

My doctor did give them a call but the person they spoke to said that it is all probably down to alcohol, this is a strange thing to say as I do not drink alcohol. They also said I would have to wait for an appointment, this has made me and my doctor so angry, my doctor has said there is not much more they can do.

It is sad that in this day and age someone like me has to sit and suffer through a condition that takes over my life to the point where I cannot do much at all except wait for an appointment, even though I believe other people think I should be seen sooner rather than later.

I guess all I can do now is wait and hope.

Thank you,

Regards,

Peper100

Response from George Eskander, Acting Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 2 years ago
George Eskander
Acting Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group

Submitted on 17/09/2021 at 12:11 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 12:27 PM

picture of George Eskander

Dear Peper100,

Thank you for reaching out again and for your kind words about your care while in ED.

I will ensure this is relayed to the relevant staff member, as I am sure she will be pleased that you found her to be kind and understanding.

I am saddened to hear that your health issues are continuing to have a significant impact on your quality of life and recognise that this is a very worrying time for you and your spouse.

I am sorry that both you and your GP have experienced further frustration. This is disappointing; however, we can investigate what is happening with your specific care, if you can contact us directly.

Without knowing who you are or who your GP spoke to in the Neurology Department, we cannot investigate the comments you refer to.

I encourage you to discuss your concerns directly with the Consumer Engagement Unit on (08) 9224 1637, 8am to 4pm or email RPBG.feedback@health.wa.gov.au.

I am deeply sorry that your experience so far has not been a positive one as the Royal Perth Bentley Group are committed to delivering a high standard of patient-centred care.

Kind regards

A/Prof George Eskander

Acting Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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