"Stroke diagnosis"

My relative attended the emergency department of the Northern Hospital Epping on numerous occasions via ambulance. They were suffering severe aphasia, complaining of a sore chest. They were allowed to leave on a couple of those occasions but on one they were kept, given a valium. I spoke to the ED and advised them that I thought my relative had a stroke.

No attempt was made to scan their head, no tests for their heart even though they had previously had a heart attack and stents put in at that facility. Over the following weeks, my relative decided to take themselves to another hospital because they thought it was a mental health issue. That Hospital admitted my relative, because of their confusion and language issues, they performed a scan.

Diagnosis was a stroke. My relative’s chest hurt, they had an infection, running a temperature. Diagnosis, a valve deformity that it seemed could easily become infected and lead to death. In my opinion, my relative’s treatment at the Northern Hospital, was less than satisfactory and could have lead to their death.

I understand the other hospital’s policy is to scan everyone who presents with confusion to rule out stroke, regardless of any history they have. My relative now faces a lengthy rehab but I believe could have died. The other Hospital is far from where they were living, but their care had been fantastic and we are grateful for their care and professionalism in helping my relative in their recovery.