"Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)"

In a previous posting to this great website I recounted some 2 years ago my issue with Broome Hospital in connection with undertaking a colonoscopy. My Gastroenterologist had advised that due to my history it was necessary the procedure was conducted by a Specialist Gastroenterologist. In order to prevent a repeat of previous issues, I requested of my Gastroenterologist, a statement detailing my history and the necessity for the procedure to be conducted by a Specialist Gastroenterologist. His letter to the Medical Director Country Health WA dated earlier this year was duly received with a reply two weeks later from the Acting Medical Director acknowledging and accepting my doctor’s rationale.

As I always do, I negotiated appointments for both Cardiac monitoring and Colonoscopy to be within a day or so of each other to minimise expense to the system (and myself). The day prior to my departure I uplifted the BLUE Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)  form to learn that is appears someone in a higher office had, notwithstanding the previously mentioned correspondence on my medical file, once again decreed the Colonoscopy could be undertaken in Broome Hospital. I advised the clerk that this was incorrect and asked her to communicate with the high command to read my file and then make a correct decision....

I understand the PATS budget is 'stretched' but as my Cardiology appointment was the day following the Colonoscopy I do not understand the individual's issue, notwithstanding the aforementioned correspondence.

Seems to me, just yet another bureaucratic decision maker who does not seem to bother to check all the facts! ! !