"Information post discharge"

Dear unifomrzs56,

We are sorry that your experience of our care has not been ideal. Thank you for taking the time to share your story, we understand that these concerns have been discussed with one of our senior nurses.

I understand that if you have asked not take constipation medication it would be very annoying to have the nurse suggest that you need it. The nurse had your best interests at heart when initiating this conversation. Our response to your request for assistance with dressing on the day of discharge did not occur in a timely way for you. You had left the ward when the nurse returned to assist. It was considered that you were able to safely ambulate independently.

Your discharge experience did not meet with our expected standards. While we have documented that medication education was discussed by the nurse and doctor, a check that you had full understanding should have been completed and written information provided; including when mediations were next due. Your discharge summary should have been provided to you upon discharge. Our routine practice is to also provide a copy to your GP for your follow appointment.

During your initial presentation for care, your condition was discussed with specialists at Monash who advised conservative management and that they would be in contact regarding a follow up appointment. This may occur within a number of weeks after your discharge; we will ensure that in the future clear expected timeframes are communicated.

Thank you for bringing the prescription gap to our attention. If you would like to contact us with the pharmacy details we would be happy to follow up. The usual process would be that the pharmacy would call the doctor to confirm the full information required prior to dispensing the medication, that mistakes can occur. We have followed up with the doctor to inform that the prescription for one of your medications was incomplete.

Jenny Dempster

Executive Director Clinical Services