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Care Opinion

Discouraged from COVID test

Posted By maywt78

"Discouraged from COVID test"

About: Margaret River Hospital

(as the patient),

I phoned Margaret River Hospital to ask if they can do a PCR test as I had just looked online and the drive through clinic in town was closed from around midday Friday to Monday morning (it was closed when I phoned). I recall the staff member said they try not to do them. They said to go to the drive-thru ...I told them it was closed...they told me to drive to Busselton (almost an hour away- I was very sick and felt I would have been lucky to make it to town, let alone Busselton!).

The staff member then asked if I had been directed to get a test, I said no, but I'd been in close contact with people who were close contacts and I was very sick so I'd like to do the right thing and get tested. They then asked if I'd like to be put through to the Covid hotline, and I said no, I just wanted to know if there was anywhere to get a test in Margaret River, and they replied no, not until Monday, sorry. I feel the advice is scary. In my opinion, if someone is very sick and willing to be tested, they should be encouraged, not turned away. Very disappointing!

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Responses

Response from Marie Tweedie, Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin, WACHS SW 2 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Marie Tweedie
Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin,
WACHS SW

Submitted on 6/04/2022 at 5:33 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 14/04/2022 at 9:08 AM

Dear maywt78,

Thank you for sharing your experience on Care Opinion.

I am so sorry that you were turned away from getting a PCR test and that you were directed to Busselton whilst you were feeling so unwell.

To understand your situation better I would like to speak to you so that this does not occur again.

I would like to ensure that staff are across this every time for every patient.

My name is Marie Tweedie and I am the Acting District Manager for Leeuwin.

Could you please call me on 0427 588 300 to discuss your experience.

Kind regards,

Marie Tweedie

Acting District Manager

Leeuwin

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Response from Marie Tweedie, Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin, WACHS SW nearly 2 years ago
We have made a change
Marie Tweedie
Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager, Leeuwin,
WACHS SW

Submitted on 13/05/2022 at 10:57 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 11:52 AM

Dear maywt78,

Following your Care Opinion story, we have implemented a process to ensure that ALL patients that request a PCR test will be able to receive one.

This will include a streamlined access procedure for nursing staff to ensure that staffing is available and that staff are aware of the importance of PCR testing.

Since this has occurred, there has been an excellent response from both the staff and patients within our community.

I hope that you have recovered and that you are feeling well.

Kind regards,

Marie Tweedie

Director of Nursing - Health Service Manager

Leeuwin

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