"Ongoing trauma following surgery"

My Adult child (the “Patient”) had a fall that resulted in a broken shoulder and elbow. The situation was extremely distressing and traumatising from the start because they couldn’t access care immediately but I won’t go into details here as that care wasn’t provided in Australia.

Our first experience Rockingham General Hospital Orthopedic Department was compassionate, respectful and genuine empathy and understanding from the Nurses to the Registrar as there was some difficulty from the original circumstances.

The “Patient” was then admitted for surgery to remove metal plates from the original surgery.

On admission we were very clear and careful to provide all the relevant information to the admissions Nurse and the Anaesthetist regarding the "Patient's" emotional status, Trauma, allergies to specific medications and most importantly that they could not have a cannula inserted in the arm joint.

No Pre-op sedation was given to calm the visibly distressed “Patient”. Instead they were taken to surgery where the Anaesthetist proceeded to insert the cannula in the area of the arm that was made perfectly clear was an issue. The “Patient” immediately reacted to the pain and could not stop shaking and indicating that it was excruciatingly painful. As I understand it, instead of trying to insert in a different area, like the wrist as last time, they forcibly held the “Patient” down and kept trying to insert it in the same area several times until the patient passed out.

On coming out of surgery the patient was so traumatised and distressed there was no consoling them. At no time prior to the operation nor after the operation was the “Patient” visited by the Surgeon. We do not know who the Surgeon was. To add to the unbelievable situation the “Patient” was prescribed the specific medications that was made perfectly clear the “Patient” was allergic to. When we questioned the nurse and requested alternative medications I recall no effort was made to ask or provide any Alternative medications.

As the pain meds were incorrect I requested a script for different meds. I was refused and suggested we go to emergency or to the local doctor. We had to wait two days before they could see a Doctor, get some new pain medication and some pain relief.

I feel the “Patient” was judged and ignored and treated as a lesser person due to their visible distress. What the “Patient” and I informed was seemingly of no consequence to anyone and felt everything was rushed without consideration of the “Patient’s” needs.

I believe this incident/situation exacerbated the trauma and emotional distress of the “Patient” who could not bring themselves to return to the hospital. As such we had to find a local facility where different nurse and doctor saw to their needs.

How are people supposed to deal with this sort of treatment and, I feel, deliberate disregard of the persons pain? In my opinion, it is a most appalling treatment of any patient. Where was the honest and true care! What is the value of Posters regarding care if no one seemingly follows that rule?

This “Patient” was at their most vulnerable in need of honest care, attention and respect all of which, in my opinion, they did not genuinely receive.

Furthermore this incident was so horrific it has left the “Patient” severally traumatised, emotionally struggling and in constant severe pain. This is why I’m making this submission.

Surely if we take the time to explain that the “Patient” has been traumatised, cannot take certain medication or have a cannula in the arm joint, the attending Medical staff should take note and not forcibly hold them down to insert in that specific area.