"No Health Care Received"

Exmouth District Hospital. 

Attended my appointment for 330pm, did not see doctor until 345pm, asked what I needed and explained I needed a referral for an ophlamologist (eye specialist) because I have been suffering with Blepharitis for 3 months. Saw a Dr in January who prescribed me 2 months of antibiotics, if these did not work I was to come back and receive a referral to a specialist. 

The Doctor insisted I looked fine and did not need to see a specialist, I was luckily having a good day and my eyes werent flared up. I believe the Doctor based my healthcare on their own personal experience. They said Blepharitis is a skin condition and not a eye condition. They would give me a referral to a dermatologist and thats it. They insisted I was angry the entire time, but I was determined and frustrated that they were seemingly ignoring what I was telling them. I did not get my referral that I needed.

The Doctor then said that my time is up and I need to get out then proceeded to argue with me about my appointment length as I needed some paperwork for an upcoming surgery. They accused me of printing off something I found on the internet that was actually given to me by my surgeon, I then opened my phone to show the Doctor the email and they raised their voice at me saying "are you recording this" to which I replied no and that maybe I should have been because from the moment I stepped into the office they had treated me so poorly and disgustingly.

After what I felt was their snide comments and inappropriate behaviour, I sat in silence until they gave me the paperwork I needed for some tests that I require, I stood up to leave and, I felt, they smugly said goodbye in a tone. I went straight to the nurses station wanting to make a complaint.

My anxiety shot through the roof, I was absolutely mortified and upset about how I was treated. I spoke to a nurse who explained the situation and she offered me to go through triage to see another GP and get the referral. Unfortunately I was so distraught and upset I just wanted to go home, which I did and spent the next hour trying to calm down and comprehend what just happened.

Due to my Blepharitis, crying triggers it, I tried my best not to cry but I was too upset, this then caused my eyes to flare up for the next two days. Unfortunately because I did not take the opportunity to see the other GP, I now can only go through triage to see a GP as the hospital is not taking appointments. This means I have to take further time off work to sit and wait for what is generally a minimum of 3 hours in the waiting room.

The staff at the front desk would not let me make a doctors appointment, due to staffing issues. 

This was by far the most disappointing experience I have had at this hospital where I have received health care for the past 20 years. I hope this story gets back to the hospital and improvements are made.

I also hope this story is posted on your website publicly so people know what to expect based on my experience.