"Second Class Patient"

I recently had surgery at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Ayota Heart Valve Replacement and CABG. After Intensive care, I had a very good single room, was comfortable, with full access to the PES system. the Treatment received was excellent as were the friendly and efficient staff, that is until Day 5.

As I was no longer being monitored I was asked if I would mind being moved to a double room, as they needed my room for a new patient. I reluctantly agreed, however the room turned out to be a single room with an extra bed put it, it had a temporary partition between the beds, which became an unsafe tripping hazard, the patient call buzzer was shared. I had no access to the PES, no TV and could not order meals, but it gets worse as neither the free or paid internet was working, so could not even use my mobile phone for entertainment. I had nothing and was miserable for my final two days in hospital, felt as if I was being treated as a second class patient.

Frustratingly I may have got out a day earlier, but for the fact I wasn't weighed before surgery and simple asked what my weight was, my answer was likely lower than actual. When I was weighed after surgery I had allegedly put on 6kg in fluids which I needed to get off before I could go home, and was told to cut back on drinking fluids compounding my discomfort.

I am a bit conflicted as I am a strong advocate to do whatever is necessary to reduce waiting list times, but my situation was dangerous and inefficient as the nurses had difficulty performing their duties, who were also unhappy with the situation.

To fix this issue I would suggest as a minimum:

1. An alternative be found to using unsafe temporary partitions

2. Perhaps develop a portable PES system, so that patients still have access to all the services available including TV. This could simply be a tablet with stand which they could put on their bed table.

3. Ensure all patients are weighed before surgery

4. Fix the internet issues, Free WIFI is essential so that patients, if nothing else can at least access all the features on their mobile phone, which many patients bring with them.