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"Pre and post operative care"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Day Surgery Geraldton Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

My teenage child fractured their collarbone playing football. ED X-rayed to confirm, put my child in a sling and gave them a nurofen and sent them home.

It took another week to see an orthopedic surgeon who decided to operate that day. We waited from the morning 'til evening, approximately 10 hours, for the surgery. Staff wouldn’t admit until the bed manager confirmed beds. Except, I understand the bed manager couldn't be contacted and wouldn’t advise. None of this was communicated directly to us but overheard from staff seemingly complaining to each other. We just sat and waited endlessly with all of the other surgical patients.

Day surgery and surgical staff were excellent. Thankyou.

Post surgery was pretty lack luster. Late evening and shifts changing. We were largely forgotten about for food, water, sick bag, tissues, fixing bedding post surgery. I had to do most of this for my child on a ward with elderly patients. My child had never been in a situation like this before, was reacting to the pain meds and was a bit overwhelmed. 

I felt discharge took forever. Physio failed to see but followed up by phone.

My child and I were required to have RAT tests pre admission. My partner was ushered through without a RAT for discharge processes. In my opinion, it’s all a little lacking.

Please Geraldton hospital lift your game. I believe your staff are obviously tired and under pressure. Support them so I feel they can support patients better, particularly our young patients.

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Responses

Response from Derek Fraser, Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital, WA Country Health Service nearly 2 years ago
Derek Fraser
Operations Manager Geraldton Hospital,
WA Country Health Service
Submitted on 30/05/2022 at 2:06 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:32 PM


picture of Derek Fraser

Dear Zozz22

Thank you for taking the time to share your story on Care Opinion.

Coming to hospital for care, particularly when it involves surgery, can be stressful and I sincerely apologise that we added to your child’s feelings of vulnerability at what was an already stressful time.

I understand that waiting is very frustrating and that this is made worse if we don’t communicate well with you regarding the reasons for any delay. I am sorry that this didn’t happen as it should. While the surgery roster for each day is carefully planned, there are occasions where unplanned emergency procedures take priority. When these situations occur, it is vital that we talk with everyone who is affected so that they are prepared and can make any changes to any plans they may have made. I am also sorry that your child was unable to see the Physio while in hospital and that the discharge process was not concluded in a timely manner. It is also not acceptable that your child was not fully attended to post-surgery, leaving you both to feel that you were forgotten.

Please know that we have listened to your story and our Nurse Manager, who oversees our Inpatient Services, will be sharing your feedback with staff so they can reflect on what could have been done differently. This will ensure that a child in a similar situation doesn’t feel worried and overwhelmed.

We do have a visitor access process in place for people who come to hospital, whether this is a for a one off visit or for ongoing or emergency care. We have reviewed your concerns about your partner being allowed in without a RAT test being administered and have worked with our reception and triage staff to remind them about this current processes and expectations.

I would like the opportunity to speak to you about your and your child’s experience and discuss how we can ensure that our hospital management team are best supporting our patients and their families, along with our workforce. I am the Operations Manager at the Geraldton Hospital and, if you feel comfortable contacting me, I can be reached on 08 9956 2369 or derek.fraser@health.wa.gov.au

Thank you for your kind words regarding the Day Surgery and Surgical teams. I will be very happy to share your comments with them.

I hope we hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Derek Fraser

Geraldton Hospital Operations Manager

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