Despite being a category 3 triage, with symptoms, 3.5 hours passed by and I wasn’t reviewed by a Doctor or assessed. Waiting for an initial triage took 1 hour, and a further 2.5 hours had passed and I still hadn’t been reviewed by a clinician/doctor.
I felt my triage experience was blunt and didn’t assess my symptoms. My pulse was documented as “regular” despite the CN not even palpating my pulse character. Instead of listening to my clinical signs, the nurse looked at the computer while I spoke. I wasn’t asked about my concerns or clinical pertinent history.
In the waiting room, over the course of 3.5 hours I saw one doctor call a patient through to be treated. There were no floating nurses regularly assessing vital signs or checking in with patients who I felt looked visibly unwell.
Despite my high risk symptoms, it felt clear to me that I wouldn’t receive any clinical assessment for a prolonged period of time, and I believed I’d be at higher risk of getting sick or assaulted by agitated drunk patients waiting nearby. I was scared that my condition would deteriorate further on my way home, or be exacerbated at home, I believe heightening my risk of death or severe complications.
"Triage wait times not in line with clinical recommendations"
About: Royal Perth Hospital / Emergency Department Royal Perth Hospital Emergency Department Perth 6000
Posted by polarisbt63 (as ),
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