"Inadequate care, no duty of care, condescending"

I attended Derby Hospital mid-last year early in the afternoon.  I had been sent there by my Gp who suspected I had Pancreatitis.

On arrival I was assessed by multiple Doctors and Nurses over a 3-4 hour period. I had blood tests, an X-ray and an ultrasound. The results were inconclusive but my blood test showed a very high white blood cell count which the Doctor stated I had an infection but could not pinpoint the origin.

I was admitted into hospital for observations by the Doctor that afternoon where they stated that I had an inflamed bowel from the removal of my appendix over 20 years ago. I had a pain level of 10 out 10 and had been given heavy painkillers. Over the course of the night the pain began to ease from the medication and in the morning my pain level had been around a 6-7.

The Doctor saw me on their morning rounds asking how my pain was and how did I feel? I told them the pain was around a 6-7 but I was still under medication and that I still don't feel right.

I was discharged that morning and informed by this Doctor that I had an inflamed bowel due to scar tissue from my appendix being removed and if I did not improve then come back even though my blood test had shown I had a very high white blood cell count with an infection. They stated that if I was to get worse I would be sent me too Broome which is a 2.5 hour drive or a flight with the RFDS. I questioned the Doctor about being able to eat or drink and they stated I could eat and drink what I like which I thought was strange considering I had an infection.

I believe the care that I received at Derby Hospital was poor and neglectful. I do not believe that the Doctor took my illness seriously or showed any professionalism.

On the day of my discharge I grew worse as the day went on, more pain, more sweating and I began to shake. My partner, who was less than impressed with the care that Derby Hospital had given me made the decision to drive us to Broome as we believe Broome has a better-equipped hospital. In the middle of that night/early that morning I had began to suffer from hot and cold sweats, began to shake uncontrollably and was in and out of consciousness. I was taken to Broome hospital from my accommodation where I was admitted awaiting more blood tests and assessment from a doctor.

The assessment I received was conducted by the same Doctor who I feel had carelessly discharged myself from Derby hospital 24hrs earlier. I felt the Doctor found it amusing that I had driven 220ks to Broome hospital and joked why was I there.

That day I was informed that I had a perforated bowel after a CT scan and would require surgery that afternoon.

I was admitted for 8 days in total and on numerous occasions, the Doctor had shown in my eyes a lack of care and unprofessionalism. They were joking about myself having followed them to Broome hospital and, in my opinion, very evasive when asked questions by myself when I asked why I was discharged with a very high white cell count with no medication. In my opinion, this Doctor and their seemingly blasé attitude could've quite easily led to further problems of blood poisoning which could lead to death. I believe Doctors need to be held responsible for their actions especially when it comes to duty of care and the lack of it.