This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

After hours

Posted By Waggapatient22

"After hours"

About: Wagga GP After Hours Service (Murrumbidgee PHN)

(as the patient),

Went to a clinic with infected finger in severe pain. Clinician prescribed antibiotics but refused to prescribe me pain killers despite my pleas as I felt OTC paracetamol/anti-inflammatory medications had not worked. Clinician stated that pain relief of a codeine nature was of no benefit, and they did not believe in prescribing such medication. Left surgery still in pain and had to go to hospital where I believe I received appropriate treatment and pain relief. When a clear injury is causing extreme pain, and a patient requests stronger medication then why do doctor’s seem to not believe in prescribing such medication.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Care Opinion Australia 2 years ago
Care Opinion Australia

Submitted on 25/03/2022 at 4:50 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:01 PM

This response has been published by Care Opinion Australia on behalf of Murrumbidgee PHN.

Thank you for providing your feedback regarding the Wagga GP After Hours Service (WGPAHS). The WGPAHS has a policy of not prescribing S8 medications (including codeine) which is in line with the Therapeutic Goods Administration guidelines and clinical criteria.

Prescribers are required to ensure patients meet the relevant Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) criteria prior to prescribing. As this is an after-hours service, the patient's usual treating GP has a more thorough understanding of the patient's clinical history which allows them to ensure the clinical criteria for prescribing S8 medications is met.

WGPAHS is committed to providing a safe service for our community and feedback allows us to regularly review and improve our service.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Waggapatient22 (the patient)

Last time I checked, panadeine products were a s4 drug, capable of being prescribed by a doctor.

Response from Care Opinion Australia 2 years ago
Care Opinion Australia

Submitted on 4/04/2022 at 2:56 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:58 PM

This response has been published by Care Opinion Australia on behalf of Murrumbidgee PHN.

Dear Waggapatient22,

We are sorry that your experience at the Wagga GP After Hours Service did not meet your expectations.

You are correct Panadeine is an S4 medication. In June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme amended the clinical criteria, prescriber instructions and increased restrictions on controlled substances of dependence including codeine medications.

A person’s usual treating GP is in the best position to know a patients’ full medical history when prescribing these medications in line with the guidelines.

If you would like to discuss your complaint personally with the Wagga GP After Hours please contact the manager on 6923 3100.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k