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Poor attitude

Posted By mayrf98

"Poor attitude"

About: Northam Health Service / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

Hi, my parent last weekend presented to the emergency department at Northam Hospital. During this presentation, I believe my parent was made to feel like they were wasting their time and told they were ready for the glue factory.

My parent does have comorbidities that can be life-threatening but the attitude of time-wasting makes them feel that they shouldn’t go to the ED. I understand the emergency services are used by many as a free GP practice, but their presentation was of cardiac origin. Northam is a small country town and attitudes do matter. I feel if it was their parent would the same attitude apply?

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Responses

Response from Rachele Ferrari, Regional Director, Wheatbelt, WA Country Health, Wheatbelt 2 years ago
Rachele Ferrari
Regional Director, Wheatbelt,
WA Country Health, Wheatbelt

Submitted on 22/09/2021 at 6:27 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 23/09/2021 at 9:54 AM

picture of Rachele Ferrari

Dear mayrf98,

Firstly, may I ask how your parent is? I do hope they are feeling markedly better and have recovered well. You mention your parent has comorbidities, we see many people with multiple health conditions in the Wheatbelt Emergency departments; it is certainly the right place when you have an urgent issue with your heart.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about your parent’s care at Northam Hospital. You are right, attitude matters and your parent’s presentation to the ED with cardiac issues was entirely appropriate. I apologise for the poor attitude displayed and inappropriate comment made by the treating clinician.

I have asked Trenton Greive, Northam Hospital Operations Manager to share your parent’s story with the Emergency Department staff and reflect on their own family and friends and the care they expect for them in an ED. We have also had training about patient centred care and this will also be discussed with the ED team.

If you want to talk to Trenton he is very happy to speak to you further and can be contacted on 9690 1310. Or Dr Peter Barratt, Medical Director for all Wheatbelt Hospitals can be contacted on 0427 198 657.

Warm regards,

Rachele Ferrari

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