"Confusion about operation"

About: Albany Health Campus / Emergency Department Albany Health Campus Emergency Department Albany 6330 Albany Health Campus / Surgical Ward Albany Health Campus Surgical Ward Albany 6330 Fiona Stanley Hospital / Gastroenterology Fiona Stanley Hospital Gastroenterology Murdoch 6150

Posted by Scared Patient (as the patient), 2 years ago

I have been referred to FSH for gallbladder removal. The first referral was sent from Albany Health Campus after my appointment. I have been admitted to AHC 3 times now, twice with gallbladder pancreatitis and just recently with biliary colic. I was on an antibiotic drip for 48 hours and needed anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory and pain relief. The surgeons on the ward told me they have sent information to FSH each time. I have been told the operation has been flagged as urgent each time. Yet whenever I speak to FSH, stating all personal details including hospital number I get a completely different story every time. Last I spoke to someone from FSH, I was told the op is classed as category 3 and will be done in a year. When I spoke to someone from FSH a month ago, I was told it's cat 1 and will be within 30 days from the date they receive the referral.
This is entirely unacceptable in my opinion. There seems to be a lot of misinformation between both hospitals and myself. Everyone I have spoken to from Albany seems to agree it is a very urgent situation. Twice Albany Health Campus has mentioned flying me up to Perth as an emergency. The problem appears to me to be with Fiona Stanley.
I am a single parent and sole carer of my autistic, adhd child. I am extremely concerned that I am not going to get the treatment I require urgently and they will be put at risk of becoming an orphan.
My child’s NDIS funding was changed to provide a section of monies to support them while I have the op and due recovery time. Every time I require admittance to AHC, this uses up their support money and creates the additional stress of having to apply again when the funds run out.
I feel I really need to have the operation urgently.

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Responses

Neil Doverty

Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group,

South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 14/02/2022 at 2:17 PM

Published on Care Opinion at 2:18 PM

Dear Scared Patient,
I am very sorry to read of your confusion and what sounds like miscommunication regarding your planned care and treatment.
As Care Opinion is anonymous I strongly urge you to contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service (6152 4013), who can look into this matter on your behalf and provide you with a clear plan. We will work with Albany and share any findings and areas for improvement with Albany Health Campus.
In addition, if you are experiencing worsening symptoms please either present to your GP who can provide escalation notes (in addition to your referral), or in the case of an emergency, please attend your nearest Emergency Department.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
Neil Doverty
Group Executive Director
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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Paul Mark

Director Medical Services, Albany Health Campus,

WA Country Health Service (WACHS)

Submitted on 16/02/2022 at 11:31 AM

Published on Care Opinion at 11:46 AM

Dear Scared Patient
Thank you for raising your concerns and I understand your frustration.
If you would like us to review your medical record can you please phone AHC Operations on 9892 2629 and leave your name and date of birth. We will then review your file and ensure FSH is aware of your circumstances.
Yours sincerely
Dr Paul Mark | Director Medical Services
WA Country Health Service – Albany Health Campus

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Update posted by Scared Patient (the patient) 2 years ago

Hi. Thank you for replying and trying to offer assistance. The newest information is that it may be category 2 but unfortunately all cat 2 and 3 surgeries are postponed in our state. If at some point I get flown up as emergency it will be done then, otherwise who knows.

Neil Doverty

Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group,

South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 16/02/2022 at 3:02 PM

Published on Care Opinion at 3:14 PM

Thank you for your update Scared Patient,
Just to clarify, Category 2 elective surgery has not been cancelled. This may change with the evolving COVID-19 situation in WA, however for the next 2 weeks at least we are continuing with planned bookings as normal. The Department of Health will instruct hospitals when exactly to pause elective activity for non-clinically urgent Category 2 and Category 3, at present the date is 28 February but as I said, this may change in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.
Please see link below to media statement released on Monday 14th February from the Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Health; Mental Health:
Media Statements - Elective surgery bookings to continue for another two weeks
Kind regards
Neil Doverty

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Update posted by Scared Patient (the patient) 2 years ago

OK. Thank you. You give me a little bit of hope.

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