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"Misdiagnosis"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a friend),

My partner was brought into ED after sustaining an injury to their thigh post fall. They had been flown home from a mine site after the doctor there determined they needed orthopaedic review. My partner was examined and told that they needed an X-ray. They insisted on X-ray to my partner's knee although my partner expressed to them several times that their knee was fine and the pain was in their thigh. No ultrasound was performed. I asked about MRI and was told that the injury wasn’t serious enough to order an MRI after hours. We were told that my partner had soft tissue injury (sprain/strain) and sent on our way. 

We sought further care from GP as my partner was still in significant pain the next day. Further investigation has revealed that the quad tendon has been torn from the bone and bunched up requiring urgent surgical repair. 

I believe this should have been picked up in ED had an ultrasound been ordered which has resulted in a delay in care. 

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Responses

Response from Ben Noteboom, Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 2 months ago
Ben Noteboom
Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group
Submitted on 16/02/2024 at 12:37 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:46 PM


picture of Ben Noteboom

Dear ospreynt84

I was very sorry to read of your partner’s accident and acknowledge it must have been a very stressful time for the both of you.

In the Emergency Department (ED) setting MRI scans are considered clinically appropriate for acute issues where urgent intervention is needed. I apologise if this was not communicated to you adequately. I was sorry to hear your partner was still in significant pain the next day and glad to read he sought further care from his General Practitioner (GP). I am regretful that you feel your partner was misdiagnosed which has resulted in a delay to his care.

I would welcome the opportunity for our senior clinical team to investigate this further for your partner and encourage them to contact RPH Patient Experience on (08) 9224 1637, 8am to 4pm or email RPBG.feedback@health.wa.gov.au

I wish your partner the best with his recovery.

Ben Noteboom

Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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