After complication with cataract surgery I was admitted to the Sydney Eye Hospital. About 700kms from my home and over the Christmas period for a couple of weeks. Medically my team were very competent. The nurses were run off their feet at busy times and although my antibiotics drops needed to be administered on time regularly, this was not always the case, that is until my doctor intervened. Initially I had a shared bathroom with a male, although in a private room which the blind could not be opened. It was continually fouled by the male, and although cleaned regularly, was not fit for others to use. I bathroom hopped rather than see his mess. After two days I was put in another private room, this time with my own bathroom, and again the blind did not function and the room was extremely cold from the air conditioning. Eventually I was in a four bedroom which was great, even sharing a bathroom and a warmer room.
Heating
Daily living support
Being far away from home for a couple of weeks and not knowing anyone in Sydney I felt very fragile, especially having limited sleep over three nights. All of the above I can accept as being part of the public system. What would have helped is an information pack about the routine day in hospital and what facilities were available. I was told there wasn't a chapel in the hospital by staff which wasn't true. Nor was I informed of being able to have my laundry done until a couple of days later. I only had one spare set of clothes as I did not expect this long stay. I received many false informations as the staff did not know themselves. Apparently you can get a parking voucher when you are a patient to reduce parking costs. Next week when I attend the outpatients clinic I still don't know the system. My son is driving me from Canberra for the 9.15am appointment. So my suggestion is an information pack for patients e.g. meals times, laundry, using the phone, TV hire, parking, pastoral care visits, etc.
Transport
Responses
See more responses from Pauline Rumma