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"Refusing to give me my script"

About: Kerang District Health

(as the patient),

I am so stressed out. I am on the suboxone treatment and for the last few years, I have never encountered worse treatment by any doctor.

A health clinician has cut off my suboxone supply. It seems to me the reason is because I couldn't give a urine sample at my last appointment. I couldn't go no matter how hard I tried- if I can't pee, I can't pee. I believe it's against my human rights to make me or stop my script because I can't give a urine sample. I have been with the same Dr and then I recall this clinician asked me to be their patient on a telehealth call in lockdown. I have tried to go back to my previous Dr but it seems to me they won't let me. I recall my last appointment with this clinician, I was there on time in the waiting room. I recall they came out, had all their stuff packed, and told me they’re going home even though I thought I had an appointment. I felt the clinician was so rude and was even calling a person who was with them training and I believe witnessed it all.  

It seemed to me the clinician reluctantly let me into the appointment room and then I recall they would not even turn on their computer. I believe the clinician then said that they can pretend to turn it on and pretend to type if it'll make me feel better. Then as I understand it, the clinician told me that I completed my appointment and they would send my scripts through. Then they asked me for a urine test, I could not go to the toilet and urinate no matter how hard I tried. I felt I really did try hard but I could not urinate. It seemed to me the clinician wanted to leave as they were getting ready and packing up. So I didn't want to take up too much time in the toilets but I felt I was in there for a while trying to go. I then went back to tell them I could not go. I recall the clinician did not tell me that there was going to be any repercussions from me not being able to urinate.  

After receiving a phone call from the pharmacy telling me that as I understand it, they did not have a script, I then went to call the clinician to ask them what was going as on my pharmacist had called me to tell me that they have not received the script that I recall the clinician had told me they would put through. I tried to contact the clinician twice through phone call and text. It seemed to me they would not get back to me but gave messages to my local pharmacy to pass on to me which I thought was very unprofessional.  

This happened in Kerang District Health Victoria. I don't know what to do, I live in a small country town, I have no license, the place where I have to go for my appointments is a far drive, I don't have any support services or people to drive me around anywhere and I believe the clinician knows this. It seems to me they also know I am in a domestic violence situation and that I have a lot of trouble with transportation and they have stopped my script literally on what I feel is because I could not give a urine test. I need help to do something to rectify this situation.

I believe I have done everything asked of me by law, I have to go to my appointments a certain number of times and I have done this. I just have not given a urine test because I cannot go to the toilet to give a urine sample and I feel that is not my fault and if I can't go, I can't go. I believe it is against my human right to withhold my medication because as I understand it, I cannot go to the toilet. I feel I will get very sick if I do not get my medication.  

I live in a very small country town with very limited services and I didn't know what to do and I don't think the people that the clinician works for really knew how to fix this. I really want to go back to my previous doctor, I felt they were the best. Based on my experience, please fix this. I only had a few days left of supply for my suboxone and I believe no one could take me to Kerang to see the clinician to give them a urine sample because I had no support people. I'm in a domestic violence situation and I feel this is not fair. I am a single parent and I believe this was unbelievably unfair.  

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Responses

Response from Kellie Byron-Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Kerang District Health 2 years ago
Kellie Byron-Gray
Chief Executive Officer,
Kerang District Health
Submitted on 4/01/2022 at 2:07 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:10 PM


picture of Kellie Byron-Gray

Dear hydrabx48,

Thank you for your feedback. I am sorry to hear that you have had some challenges with your medical treatment in Kerang.

There are two medical clinics in Kerang – one is operated by Kerang District Health and one through Northern District Community Health.

Following investigation of your concerns, we have ascertained that there is no patient on this treatment pathway through Kerang Medical Clinic. Our suggestion is that you follow up with Northern District Community Health Medical Clinic regarding your Suboxone treatment and choice of general practitioner/clinician.

We also wish to inform you that this particular script cannot be obtained through the Kerang District Health urgent care centre.

We are very sorry to hear that you are experiencing domestic violence. There are several supportive services available that can be of assistance to you:

1800 RESPECT

Domestic Violence Resource Centre, Victoria - https://www.dvrcv.org.au/loddon#815

Rural Outreach Services – Loddon Mallee Mildura, Mallee DV Service - 03 5021 2130 (24 hrs on call)

Bendigo, Centre for Non-Violence - 1800 884 038

Swan Hill, Mallee DV Service - 03 5033 1899 (24 hrs on call)

The Orange Door Swan Hill – 1800 290 943

These services may also be able to assist you with transportation requirements.

There is also Nurse on call - 1300 606 024

Or Health Direct – GP / Medical Advice 1800 022 222

We trust that this has addressed some of your concerns and that you utilize the resources we have provided.

We wish you well.

Kind regards

Kellie Byron-Gray

CEO

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