"A very unpleasant experience at Port Macquarie Hospital."

I extended my lower back which went into extreme spasms, and dropped to my knees. Some 3 hrs later, I was taken to Port Macquarie hospital by ambulance, to emergency section. I was given many doses of morphine due to extreme pain, and admitted to a cubicle.

I was seen by a nurse, who seemed in an aggressive, disinterested mood, and this was to be my day of hell. After being examined by her, I was left alone for a long time, and upon her return, I asked for a urine bottle, to which I was told to "walk to the toilet". I explained I had tried repeatedly to walk but was unable to due to the pain, and the lack of use of my legs. No bottle was supplied. I repeated this request again some 2 hours later, again was refused. I also had been admitted prior to the lunch serving, informed the nurse when questioned about the morning actions, and told her I had eaten nothing prior coming to Hospital, under 000 phone advice.

Again, I was refused food, again I urgently requested a wee bottle, again it was refused with the instruction to walk to the toilet. This nurse was apparently to take leave at the end of this day, and I guess I meant it would not be an early finish.

At approx. 8.00pm, I was assisted out of the emergency cubicle, lifted to the toilet area, and relieved myself, after being refused the bottle 4 times. I was then driven home by a mate, and had to stay in bed for 3 days, unable to walk unassisted.

I later wrote to the Hospital, the Director of Nursing investigated the complaint, told me he didn't believe the Nurses account, and said he would improve procedures in receiving persons with conditions such as mine.

I believe the matter was just dispensed with, and was told an entry would be made on the nurses personnel file. What a relief, she can do the same thing 3 times, before she can be punished or dismissed.

That day sits firmly in my mind, as awful treatment which would be unacceptable to an animal, let alone a person. Disciplinary action should have been the minimum.

Luckily, I have had only 3 occasions in my life to enter hospital, the other two were in different hospitals, as was the treatment. They were professional and dedicated in their duties. I think the nurse nominated should have been dismissed, after investigation.

That's my story, a very unpleasant experience in a NSW Hospital.