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Toxicology test

Posted By castormk43

"Toxicology test"

About: Bunbury Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I was found unconscious on the street. I can barely remember the night or the next day. I am appreciative of the care I received. But what I did not appreciate was the staff's refusal, in my opinion, to take bloods for a toxicity screen, even though I believe they had been asked multiple times by my next of kin. Now I live with the unknown, unable to know what happened that night.

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Responses

Response from Stephen Hartwig, Head of Department, Emergency Medicine, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS South West nearly 2 years ago
Stephen Hartwig
Head of Department, Emergency Medicine, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS South West

Lead the team of Emergency Medicine doctors.

Submitted on 23/08/2022 at 7:40 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 24/08/2022 at 8:46 AM

Dear castormk43

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. I am glad you received care after what must have been a frightening experience. I am sorry to hear your story and to hear that you were found unconscious. I am really sorry that this happened to you.

While I am not sure of the circumstances related to your individual presentation, Emergency Departments do not generally test for substances except when they change clinical practice.

I would like to speak with you about your feedback so that we can provide more specific information to you. If you are happy to do so please email us at: SWfeedback@health.wa.gov.au or call us on 08 9722 1521 and we can arrange a time to explore your concerns. If you wish to remain anonymous you can do so.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Hartwig

Director of Emergency Medicine

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Response from Hugh Mitenko, Deputy Medical Director, Emergency Department, Bunbury Hospital about a year and a half ago
Hugh Mitenko
Deputy Medical Director, Emergency Department,
Bunbury Hospital

Submitted on 27/10/2022 at 1:55 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:28 PM

Dear castormk43,

ED staff are able to test for common street drug toxicity using a urine sample. Until recently, we were not able to test blood samples for street drugs or date rape drugs.

As of mid-October, in response to cases similar to yours, there are now new programs such that 1. Patients now ARE able to have bloods taken in our ED to see what drugs are in their system using a state-wide toxicology service – although these test results may take many weeks to get a result, and 2. Patients who want to know if their drink has been ‘spiked’, but otherwise do not need to see a doctor, can go to the local police station for testing.

This does not improve your experience but please know that now, our systems have changed, and patients can hope to get answers to questions like yours.

Kind Regards,

Dr Hugh Mitenko

Deputy Medical Director

Bunbury Hospital - Emergency Department

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