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Care Opinion

Oncology care

Posted By Hickup

"Oncology care"

About: Albany Health Campus / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

My partner has been in and out of hospital (both Albany Regional as well as Fiona Stanley) frequently over the past 2 years with cancer.

As they acquired a secondary cancer due to primary cancer treatment, they initially refused further chemo, however was offered a different drug, to which they said they wanted some time to think about it.

Fast forward to our visit a few weeks ago: We had gone to ED in Albany Regional as my partner was in a lot of pain and had developed a fever. The junior oncologist came in and matter of factly said that as my partner didn't have a patient directive on file, they needed to know what my partner wanted done in case things went downhill. My partner said very clearly, that they wanted everything possible done to keep them alive, to which the doctor replied that that was noted, however it was unlikely that, for someone as seriously ill as my partner, they would actually try to save their life, as it wouldn't make much sense (or not be worth it?!).

I understand that maybe that is so, but the way it was delivered very much sounded like - well, bad luck, we are not even going to try to keep you alive.

That was the first time my jaw dropped. (My partner had said they had had problems with this junior oncologist before...). The doc then somehow got to saying that my partner didn't want any further treatment anyway, which my partner said wasn't true. My partner did want to try the other chemo drug, (as they had told the senior oncologist and various other nurses and doctors, but apparently it hadn't made it into the file) to which the junior doctor, we felt almost accusingly said "what, you *do* want more treatment now?!" and then proceeded to argue that my partner had said they didn't want treatment. The doctor then seemingly stormed out with the words that they were not going to argue ...

I was gobsmacked at what I felt were such atrocious bedside manners. I thought the doctors and nurses were there to help and do what they can to heal, not, in my experience, accuse you of asking for treatment to get better. I have to say we have found the other junior doctor much more gentle and helpful and the nurses, as always, doing the best they can.

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Responses

Response from Paul Mark, Director Medical Services, Albany Health Campus, WA Country Health Service (WACHS) nearly 2 years ago
Paul Mark
Director Medical Services, Albany Health Campus,
WA Country Health Service (WACHS)

Submitted on 1/08/2022 at 4:26 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:27 PM

picture of Paul Mark

Dear Hickup

I genuinely appreciate the time you have taken to share your partner’s recent experience at Albany Health Campus (AHC) at what must be a very difficult and emotional time for you, your partner and your loved ones.

You are absolutely correct in saying that medical professionals are there to help patients. I am so sorry that the approach of the junior doctor has left you and your partner feeling concerned and emotionally distressed. We know that the therapeutic relationship between patients and the clinicians providing the care is so important in making patients and their families feel comfortable and at ease. While there are times when clinicians have to have difficult and emotionally upsetting conversations with patients and families, we know that these conversations are made easier when they are conveyed with sensitivity, compassion and understanding. I sincerely apologise for the hurt we have caused at such an anxious and worrying time for you both.

It is clear to me that there are some opportunities to improve communication and ensure that all of our clinicians have access to all the information that is pertinent to each of our patients. I am sharing your story with our Oncology team and the broader AHC leadership team so that we can discuss how we might improve the care we provide our cancer patients. In addition, we know the importance of all of our patients, not just our oncology patients, setting clear goals of care and/or having an advanced health directive in place from the start of treatment when they interact with our services, we will focus on this as an important area for improvement.

If you would like to discuss your experience with me or if you would like to me to review your medical record please do not hesitate to contact me via the AHC Operations team on 9892 2629.

Thank you for your kind comments concerning another junior doctor and the nursing staff and for giving us the opportunity to reflect and improve what we do.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Paul Mark/Director Clinical Services

Albany Health Campus

WA Country Health Service

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