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My partner's elective surgery

Posted By Frustratedwithhealthservice

"My partner's elective surgery"

About: Bunbury Hospital

(as a relative),

I am frustrated. My partner and I work overseas. Earlier this year, they received a message that they finally have a date for exostectomy surgery in a few months. My partner phoned the surgeons rooms to request it be delayed, and at one point was told there was a vacancy in mid-year, but that the decision is made by the waitlist office. My partner wrote the following ...

I'm not just trying to be difficult or suit myself, my current visa (which is expensive) ends mid-year and does not allow for multiple entry. Meaning if I leave beforehand ie for the proposed surgery it will end prematurely and I will have to apply (and pay) all over again.

I am also expecting the birth of a grandchild towards the end of the year.

Wondering why there is an issue moving to the vacancy mid-year considering the genuine reasons provided and wondering what difference it makes to them anyway?

As I've been waiting so long already I can't see why a few more months would matter?

Disappointed but still hopeful something can be done.

Regards xxx.

The waitlist office has apparently declined our request and it doesn't make sense as it seems to me no-one is inconvenienced. In fact, someone who is still waiting, gets in earlier and my partner could take the vacancy mid-year.

Frustrated :(

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Responses

Response from Karen Horsley, Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS - South West 14 months ago
Karen Horsley
Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS - South West

Stream B includes: Surgical, Maternity, Paeds, Theatre, DPU, Waitlist and HSSU

Submitted on 24/02/2023 at 1:53 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 27/02/2023 at 10:15 AM

picture of Karen Horsley

Dear Frustratedwithhealthservice

I apologise that your response from the waitlist team was not what you were expecting. I do feel for the fact that your partner has already been waiting a long period of time for their procedure.

There are certain processes to be followed that ensure that everyone waiting is treated with fairness and equity. In your partners case, they have been deferred as they are not available for care when their surgery was booked by their surgeons’ rooms. When they return from their overseas work, they are welcome to return to their surgeons’ rooms and they can source a new date for their surgery. It is not as simple as swapping in and out of dates as other patients may see the surgeon before you return from overseas who may have a higher urgency for their surgery.

Hi, my name is Karen Horsley, and I am the Service Codirector for Surgical services at Bunbury hospital. I would be happy for you to call me to discuss this further on 97221421. I do hope your work overseas goes smoothly and you are able to be rebooked later in the year for your surgery.

Kind regards,

Karen

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Update posted by Frustratedwithhealthservice (a relative)

Dear Karen,

We were made aware that there was a vacancy in July. So in swapping to July, I believe it wouldn't inconvenience anyone. In fact, 2 parties benefit. It would enable someone who has also been waiting to have an earlier appt (April) and my partner would take the vacant spot. And returning to the surgeons rooms isn't an easy process - we live over 100kms from Bunbury and have been told the whole process starts again (visit the surgeon and go to the end of the waitlist).

Still frustrated

PS. My partner has not yet declined their place, as they can keep the appt, if there is no other option. It just doesn't seem fair to cost us so much money to keep the appt, when I understand there should be other options as per the Elective Services Access Handbook pg 17.

Response from Karen Horsley, Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS - South West 14 months ago
Karen Horsley
Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS - South West

Stream B includes: Surgical, Maternity, Paeds, Theatre, DPU, Waitlist and HSSU

Submitted on 28/02/2023 at 1:13 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:18 PM

picture of Karen Horsley

Dear Frustratedwithhealthservice,

Thank you for your prompt response.

I appreciate your ongoing concerns and would like to reach out and work with you to find a positive solution to your situation. To enable me to review your individual case, can I ask you to contact myself, Karen Horsley on 97221421 or via email Karen.horsley@health.wa.gov.au to discuss.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks

Karen

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Update posted by Frustratedwithhealthservice (a relative)

Karen,

Thank you for all the effort you have put into helping us with this.

We really do appreciate it.:)

Thanks again!:)

Response from Karen Horsley, Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS - South West 13 months ago
Karen Horsley
Co-Director Stream B, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS - South West

Stream B includes: Surgical, Maternity, Paeds, Theatre, DPU, Waitlist and HSSU

Submitted on 31/03/2023 at 3:12 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:44 PM

picture of Karen Horsley

Dear Frustratedwithhealthservice,

Thank you for your lovely response.

I'm glad we were able to resolve the booking issues and get you on the date which works for both you and the surgeon.

Best wishes for your upcoming surgery, I hope all goes smoothly.

Thanks

Karen

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