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"Rheumatology Department"

About: Armadale Hospital / Orthopaedic/Trauma Outpatient Clinic

(as a relative),

My spouse has been attending this department for a number of years as they suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. At first they felt they were getting the attention, treatment and advice they needed. However over the past two years we both feel we are wasting our time attending.

My partner was seeing a rheumatologist who told my partner they couldn't cure the rheumatoid arthritis but could make their life easier so the rheumatologist took my partner off all their pain relief. We haven't been seen by this person since although they are there. Instead my spouse has been seen by 2 different trainees who both left the room to confer with their 'boss'.

Recently my spouse was prescribed with Actemra  SC which helps slightly. However after sitting in the waiting room for over an hour watching the rheumatologist take in patients who arrive after us we do not think that my spouse is being listened to and treated as we expected. They are in severe pain daily yet nothing is being done to help them. 

It has been suggested my spouse sees a surgeon for their hands and knees. They are elderly and definitely not healthy enough to undertake surgeries.

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Responses

Response from Karen Elliott, Service Director Mental Health, Armadale Kalamunda Group 4 months ago
Karen Elliott
Service Director Mental Health,
Armadale Kalamunda Group
Submitted on 26/08/2024 at 3:40 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:34 PM


picture of Karen Elliott

Dear homamgs68

Thank you for sharing your partner's health care experience with the Armadale Kalamunda Group (AKG) Rheumatology Department.

I was saddened to hear that your partner is in severe pain and that they do not feel listened to. I hope you can accept my unreserved apology for any distress we have caused you both.

Neither of you should have felt dismissed by any of our staff during your visits and you certainly should not feel like you are wasting your time. We should be doing better for your partner.

We are a teaching hospital so there will be times when our patients will be seen by junior doctors. Please know that the care and safety of our patients is very important to us which is why our junior doctors are instructed to always check in with their supervisor.

We also encourage our patients and their families to contact us at any time if they feel they are not being listened to, or they have concerns about their care, as this allows us to address issues immediately.

I would appreciate being able to investigate your concerns for you and encourage you to contact us via our Consumer Liaison Service on (08) 9391 1153 or email AKG_ConsumerLiaison@health.wa.gov.au so we can work with you both to review your partner's care.

Continuous improvement is very important to us so thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns with us.

Kind Regards,

Karen Elliott

A/Executive Director

Armadale Kalamunda Group

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