"Post-operative complications"

I'm writing on behalf of my partner who had lower rectal resection and ileostomy.

I took my partner to BSN hospital in the morning 11 days post-op, I expressed my partner had a high tolerance to pain meds but felt I went unheard. For a short time pain relief worked then I understand my partner’s blood pressure went high and they were moaning. While waiting for a CT to find out what was going on internally, my partner was in that much pain they were vomiting and couldn't drink the contrast.

My partner had CT scan to be told they had a large collection internally/infection by a clinician who I believe was very rude; I recall they didn't introduce themselves, didn't explain how serious it was or in my opinion, show any empathy. I understand the plan was to have drain put in to rid of infection/collection.

I expressed my partner was in pain and it took around 2-3 hours for that to be under control, eventually, my partner was administered two doses of Morphine in BSN ED for transfer to Bunbury hospital later that day.

Got to Bunbury hospital and found my partner in a back room on their own. It seemed to me that the bed was left high, my partner did not have a call button, no urine bottle and I understand, had not been seen by ED staff after ambulance staff departed.

A clinician came in after using call button and commented really busy. I asked for urine bottle and pain relief and as I recall, the clinician told us there had just been shift change and didn't know anything about my partner. I felt they wouldn't listen to us expressing that my partner was in serious pain. It seemed to me the clinician came back eventually, had to ask someone about pain relief, and would come back. They returned with clexane injection, but no pain relief.

I explained the discharge nurses from surgical ward had been injecting in upper arm due to major abdominal wounds and pain in abdomen. I recall we were promptly told we don’t do that, it goes in the abdomen. I explained that my partner had extensive abdominal staples etc from op and that we were shown by discharge nurse how to give clexane in upper arm. It seemed to me that the clinician said, no, it wasn't happening, never heard of it and, I felt, ignored my explanation. I asked to speak to the doctor handling my partner, however, I don't believe we spoke to the Dr as the clinician had a different title on their name badge? I repeated explanation about partners pain situation and clexane jabs.

Based on my experience, I am just really disappointed with whole care factor lacking in Bunbury hospital. I am a carer, not a nurse however I believe that people in hospital are stressed, in pain, worried and relying on experts to give assistance. I don't feel you are listened to and at times I felt staff became dismissive.

There is literature on walls about patient rights and staff rights. In my opinion, there is clearly a problem on both sides and I have found the experience with my partner to be upsetting, frustrating and disappointing. My faith in the system is worrying for people needing genuine help.

I departed later that night due to hour drive home.

My partner told me the same clinician refused to inject in upper arm and proceeded to inject in the abdomen. As I understand it, the clinician refused to get ice blocks/chips from another area, and I believe that my partner had not had food or drink for 27 hours. My partner believes they heard the clinician saying they weren’t going to get my partner ice and so another clinician went and got my partner ice.  

Next day my partner was in surgical ward, their pain management did not feel under control. My partner rang me in tears, partner still telling staff in pain, this lasted all day.

Around that night, my partner rang and said the pain was even worse after drain inserted in lower back. I told my partner to ring the bell which they said they had an hour ago. I rang surgical ward and was told staff were concerned about my partner's lack of pain relief and trying to contact Dr's who could help. I rang my partner’s surgeon and made them aware of my partner's dire situation and that I felt no-one was listening. I believe the surgeon had a colleague visit my partner, I recall this colleague told my partner they shouldn't be in that much pain. Really? At this time it's been over a day since transferring from BSN ED.

I spoke to my partner later that night, apparently, the surgeon had seen my partner and the pain was gradually getting controlled.

I would like to state that I believe having a patient-centred approach means every individual is unique. I believe that each person does not always fit the 'norm'. In my opinion,  a patient’s partner, sibling, relative etc knows a person better in relation to their well-being. Might I add, I recall the literature displayed on hospital walls states this explicitly.

I would like to thank Beth and Mia on the surgical ward for hearing me when my partner was experiencing severe pain for too long. I want to thank any other staff on the surgical ward who helped my partner become more comfortable during post-op complications.

I believe telling this story is important for all parties involved. I hope changes will occur and this experience is not repeated.