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"My experience at Box Hill hospital."

About: Box Hill Hospital / Cardiology

(as the patient),

I was admitted on recently to have an iliostomy reversal.  Whilst on the operating table they found my heart was in AF.  After lengthy discussions between two anesetic doctors they agreed to proceed however the colorectal surgeon said no they wanted me to see a cardiologist I recall by promised me faithfully I would not have to wait months to rescheduled.  

I was taken to recovery where I was seen by the cardiologist who said they were happy for the surgery to go ahead and would also try some medication for my heart.  I understood that this was the best course, however I finished up having to stay overnight to be monitored.  

Once on a ward I was told by a general night doctor and three nurses that my surgery was happening the next day and I was to fast from midnight.

When the general doctors did morning rounds they said they knew nothing but would check.

(Still fasting) the doctor came back about mid morning and said no operation I was to go home and have follow up with cardiology then the reversal in three months which went against what I had been promised.

At this point I was extremely upset and angry as my emotions had been up down up down for 24 hours, however I feel no consideration was given to this, I recall the doctor simply said oh well now you can eat and drink.

Once I calmed down I was then hurried along to get showered and dressed so I could be discharged I said I would once they had removed the canular and heart monitor.  By this stage it was almost lunchtime and I had had nothing since dinner time the night before so was really looking forward to the lunch I had ordered.  I quickly packed up my belongings and had a shower.  When I came out of the shower the lunches had been delivered but nothing for me.

When the people came to collect the trays I asked where is my lunch.  The staff member checked their paperwork which still said I was not allowed any food.

By now I was in tears and extremely upset, I have never experienced what I believe to be such a disgusting lack of communication and treatment in the health system.

Now I have to wait again for a cardiac appointment and wait again for the reversal apparently as if 10 months of waiting is not bad enough this emotional stress is beyond belief.

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Responses

Response from David Plunkett, Chief Executive, Eastern Health nearly 2 years ago
David Plunkett
Chief Executive,
Eastern Health
Submitted on 9/08/2023 at 8:19 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 10/08/2023 at 8:48 AM


picture of David Plunkett

Dear puppiswp87

Thank you so much for taking the time to share these comments regarding your experience when you were scheduled for surgery at Eastern Health's Box Hill Hospital.

Whilst I'm pleased to see the heart condition was found and treatment commenced, I am sorry you received very mixed messages from the team.

If you would like your particular circumstances followed up (I.e. the plan for your care), please make contact with the Patient Relations Advisors in the Eastern Health Centre for Patient Experience either by emailing them on feedback@easternhealth.org.au or by calling 1800 EASTERN. If you choose to call please be aware that it is possible that the Patient Relations Advisors may be on another call at the time you ring and if so you will be invited to leave a message so they can return your call.

Either way, I will provide your feedback to the surgical team so they can understand the impact this mixed communication has had.

Thank you once again.

Kind regards

David

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