"My breast cancer journey"

Dear indigoks59

I’m so sorry to hear of the unexpected change to your treatment at the Albany Health Campus prior to your surgery. I would like to thank you for sharing your story with us.

I would like to apologise for the process around our communication to you regarding changes in your procedure. This is not the experience that we aim to provide for our patients and their loved ones on the Albany Health Campus. I have followed up your feedback with the surgical team to gain insight to how this happened.

Our review has identified how this issue has occurred and also identified gaps in our service regarding the delivery of isotopes from the Perth manufacturing facility to the Albany Health Campus. The isotope is required to be manufactured and delivered to us within specific time frame to be effective. Transport is via commercial flights with the pilot making the decision on final cargo prior to the plane departing from Perth. Factors that are taken into consideration are the cargo’s weight and volume which are affected by weather conditions, existing cargo and other factors. Safety issues ultimately decide what is loaded onto the plane prior to take off. We continue to work with all involved to improve this service. Albany Health Campus staff are not made aware of the pilot’s decision to transport or not a particular medication or isotope at the time of the decision.

I am sorry for the distress that you experienced as a result of the changes in your planned pre-operative treatment and if you would like to discuss your experience any further, I invite you to contact me or your treating team. You can contact me on 9892 2382.

Kind regards,

Jacky Jones

McGrath Breast Care Nurse