"Being forgotten and not heard"

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the treatment I received during a recent visit to Rockingham Hospital. As someone with a history of bowel obstructions and surgeries, I am well aware of the symptoms and risks, and I knew that I was experiencing another obstruction due to the excruciating pain I was in.

I went to urgent care, understanding that the emergency department might be overwhelmed. They directed me to the hospital, and I made my way to Rockingham. Upon arrival, I had to wait 45 minutes to be seen in triage, where others were pushing in front of me, but I understood the need for prioritization. After about two hours, I was taken to a small room and left waiting again. A nursing student came to take my observations an hour later. Two hours after that, another nurse came, took my vitals, and I had to request pain relief, as the pain had intensified significantly.

When I was given pain relief, the nurse informed me that it was Buscopan. This was concerning to me, as Buscopan slows the motility of the bowel, which should never be used when a bowel obstruction is suspected. I raised my concern, and the nurse said they would speak to the doctor, but I heard nothing further. After another two hours, the nursing student returned and asked if I had seen the doctor. I had not. An hour later, another nurse came in with the same question, and I responded curtly that I still had not been seen by a doctor. They went away, spoke to the doctor, and returned to apologize, saying that the doctor had "forgotten" about me.

I was very upset by this, but they reassured me that I would be seen shortly. However, two hours later, another nurse came in and again asked what the doctor had said. At this point, I was in so much pain and distress that I was too upset to respond calmly. Once again, the doctor had forgotten me. I felt vulnerable, neglected, and let down by the system.

I eventually left the hospital in pain and went home, feeling as though I had been completely disregarded. The following day, I went to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where I waited in the emergency room for eight hours. Despite being promised pain relief, none was provided, and I was left feeling uncared for. I expressed my fear that my condition could quickly deteriorate, as bowel obstructions can lead to perforation, but I still felt that my concerns were not taken seriously.

This experience has left me feeling both physically and emotionally drained. I felt as though my condition was not treated with the urgency it required, and I want to ensure that my concerns are acknowledged.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to hearing from you.

I feel the triage stage could be done better and that there should be someone at the door informing everyone about urgent care.