Author Topic: Our hospital system is on life support ! .... (Read 13384 times)

*Yibida* · « **on:** December 17, 2010, 02:19:55 AM »

I've been very busy the past few weeks hence my absence from the boards.... today Mrs Yib had a fall.. lots of bruises and a possible broken arm.. I took her to the Northern Hospital located in Epping for X-rays and maybe a plaster cast... we sat there for 5 hours waiting to see the Doc... then I asked how much longer and the reply was " there are 7 others before you - we work on a priority system you know " ... now that would add at least another 4 hours by the time we actually see a doctor have the X-ray then wait for the results THEN see him again to have the treatment... we left and I muttered some savory remarks on our way out... I have an appointment myself with a specialist tomorrow so we didn't want to wait till morning to leave the hospital and go to the other appointment... we will go to the Royal Melbourne hospital before my specialist appointment tomorrow and try to get some treatment for her... she is in pain but will have to bare it for tonight.

Yep the Hospital system is third world ... my private Medibank membership don't mean squat so whats the point having it ?

the politicians don't give a rats arse and pump money into every hair brain scheme except the most important service..... Health !

tellomon · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2010, 02:29:09 AM »

Woe, Dude!

I hate that shite.

Give those Blighters what they got comin'....

*snipe

*smee* · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2010, 08:11:59 AM »

Their terrible Yibster , hope Mrs Yibster can get the required treatment today , did you flash your Amigo membership card , that usually gives 'em the hurry up

*CountessA* · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2010, 08:26:23 AM »

You can move faster through the system if you call an ambulance (I assume you're a member?). Mrs Yibs will be taken to Casualty as she will be seen as more of an emergency by the system.

Poor Mrs Yibs!

*wheels* · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2010, 08:36:08 AM »

Yibs, I hope Mrs Yibs has been treated and is out of pain now.

The Northern does not have enough staff to cope with the demands of this area. You will probably have had a long wait at the Royal as well. Countessa, I doubt calling an Ambulance will get you quicker treatment in what would be classed as a non urgent case. I have even seen Ambulances lined up waiting to off-load their patients. Unless you have blood pouring from you or have a life-threatening condition you are put into the queue. Even if you do have a bleeding wound they will often apply basic first aid and have you wait. It is now unknown to be waiting 6-8 hours or more for treatment. The health system in Victoria needs so much more funding, more facilities, more doctors, more nurses but there always seems to be another sporting ground that needs to be built or some event to be sponsored that takes away the all important dollars.

*Ubbie Max* · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2010, 08:51:16 AM »

Shocking state of affairs Yib.

Next time you have need for hospital emergency turn up with your trusty Barret 50 cal (I assume you own one).

You will get immediate attention.

HellWest'nCrooked · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2010, 09:35:17 AM »

Yibs I hope it is all getting sorted in the correct manner this morning. Certainly hope Mrs Yib doesn't have a broken arm.

I often think how lucky I am, I have one of the best health care systems at the push of a few buttons.....God Bless the Flying Doctor!

Many many years ago when I was living in Sydney I fell very ill with a small pox injection gone wrong..........teenager at the time so was pretty blase' about it all but my girlfriends dragged me off to the causality dept of the nearest hospital.......end result was an operation by a leading plastic surgeon. I often think back to how lucky I was as I knew no-one or how the health system worked (only knew about the flying doctor!!!)

It begs belief that a health system can go so far BACKWARDS.

*smee* · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2010, 09:40:17 AM »

It begs belief that a health system can go so far BACKWARDS.

its global warmings fault

oh and eBays/paypal/Donohue and maybe Australia Post also contributed to part of the problem

*wheels* · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2010, 09:43:23 AM »

Another thing I just thought of, my son's girl-friend is a nurse at one of Melbourne's leading hospitals. She has to buy her own equipment - stethoscope, drugs books, finger pulse tester etc - because the hospital does not supply enough. There will usually be a set amount of equipment for each ward and she doesn't have the time to waste running backwards and forwards looking for equipment so she carries her own. The trouble is it's always getting pinched! She has written her name on them but it still doesn't stop them. And this stuff is not cheap, although we did purchase the last oxymeter on Amazon US for half the price from Australian suppliers.

HellWest'nCrooked · « **Reply #9 on:** December 17, 2010, 10:12:51 AM »

See, that just makes my head spin.

* Nurses buying their own equipment for work!!
* Some jerk pinching equipment that is used for monitoring sick people!

Give me a break..............

callostemma · « **Reply #10 on:** December 17, 2010, 12:43:17 PM »

Considering what nurses have to do to become one ,I'm surprised anyone does the course, Anyone who thinks the nursing profession is overpayed ,does not know the full story.

We care-givers have an easy time.

*Yibida* · « **Reply #11 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:05:09 PM »

I haven't been around much lately.... my son has started an apprenticeship as a carpenter... on Friday I received a call from his employer from the Hospital... my son was cutting wood joins for a house frame and did something stupid... he reached for the piece of wood he cut before the drop saw was completely stopped... the saw blade caught the top of his hand and dragged it into the slowly stopping blade...

I have a strong stomach but the pictures his boss sent me had me dry reaching..

He was taken to a Western hospital at great pace.. on reaching there they administered first aid and stopped the bleeding..

HERE'S THE DISGUSTING PART ! ----THEY COULD NOT PERFORM SURGERY BECAUSE THEY WERE TO BUSY AND THEY SAID PRIORITY WAS FOR EMERGENCIES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOR felafel SAKE WHAT IS THIS THEN ?

so they filled him up with Morphine and made an appointment for him at another Western hospital for Saturday 12 pm surgery....

I have been at this hospital all day today from 12 till 6pm tonight to be told they can't perform surgery even though he was booked for it today... too busy with emergencies !!

they have rescheduled him for tomorrow Sunday for surgery now at 7 AM.

I am so angry with the health system !! ........ I'm afraid if the nerves / tendents are not reconnected within a certain time he will not regain the full use of his hand ...

If he does not get operated on tomorrow nothing will stop the wrath of a father ....

*smee* · « **Reply #12 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:12:18 PM »

struth Yibster you are not having a good trot with injuries in the family ...hopefully all will go well in the morning

lacey · « **Reply #13 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:29:07 PM »

sorry to hear about your son Yibs. That is very bad.

This NSW Govt need to be voted out pronto.

*CountessA* · « **Reply #14 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:36:53 PM »

That is unbelievable, unacceptable and unbelievable. (I already said that. Oh well - it bears repeating.)

Yibs, if you want the wrath of an opera singer to help, let me know.

*Yibida* · « **Reply #15 on:** January 15, 2011, 11:44:26 PM »

I'm going through all the emotions of an unbelievably concerned parent... rage, disbelief, sorrow, tears, heartbreak ... I haven't eaten all day because my son was told not to eat anything since midnight last night preparing for surgery that never happened.... How could I eat knowing he hasn't eaten and the pain he's going through ! [ sigh ]

Centuries · « **Reply #16 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:19:31 AM »

That is shocking, yib. I hope the surgery is carried out today. And the surgeon is a specialist in that field of surgery. I would be as worried as yourself.

Hands are delicate.Is there a specialist Hand Unit in any of the public hospitals in your area/city? The Sydney Hospital has such a Unit and they are great. If so, it may be worth having your son seen by them just as a precaution if he has any problems with the hand. Not sure if you would require a GP's referral but I think you can simply present as an outpatient.

I hope all goes well and that your wife has recovered from her fall. What a worrying time you have had

golden · « **Reply #17 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:57:22 AM »

Quote from: *Yibida* on January 15, 2011, 11:05:09 PM

on Friday I received a call from his employer from the Hospital.....

I have a strong stomach but the pictures his boss sent me had me dry reaching..

I am so angry with the health system !! ........ I'm afraid if the nerves / tendents are not reconnected within a certain time he will not regain the full use of his hand ...

If he does not get operated on tomorrow nothing will stop the wrath of a father ....

Terrible news Yibs, I hope everything goes to plan today and the operation is successful. A disability with his hand could have life long effects, so stay strong for him.
You mention his boss has contacted you. I hope they are doing all they can for him and there will be no negative consequences as far as his apprenticeship goes... I guess that can wait for the time being.

Quote from: Centuries on January 16, 2011, 02:19:31 AM

Hands are delicate.Is there a specialist Hand Unit in any of the public hospitals in your area/city? The Sydney Hospital has such a Unit and they are great. If so, it may be worth having your son seen by them just as a precaution if he has any problems with the hand. Not sure if you would require a GP's referral but I think you can simply present as an outpatient.

A few years ago I had my hand operated on by a Dr Bruce Johnston (Johnson/Johnstone) he is an expert in that field (covered by my employer, Workcare) he was located near the big roundabout at the top of Elizabeth St, near the Royal Melbourne. He also had other staff who did my 9 months of physio/rehab stuff to get all the bits working again.

Best of luck. ~~andstoprunningoverblackcatswalkingunderladders~~

*r3830* · « **Reply #18 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:36:07 PM »

These events are dreadful. Thinking about you all down there Yibs - and seriously hoping for a speedy resolution!

The nurses at NSW hospitals recently withdrew their labour, effecting such things as elective surgery. All they asked for was ample staffing, allowing them to be able to actually do their jobs. They wanted an upgrade in patient to nurse ratios - to 4:1 - akin to the (claimed) service provided in Victoria. As I understand things, Victoria don't have such a ratio either.... working in the vicinity of around 7:1.

The whole problem, which appears to be a national one, frustrates the absolute guts out of the medical staff. They too are parents and they too have ideals and expectations that are not being presently met under the existing structures. Bills aren't being paid and supplies are dwindling dangerously low. I read stories of medical staff self funding supplies to treat their patients, because suppliers want their payments up front and will no longer offer their goods on credit.... due to waiting forever for their payments to arrive. While I absolutely admire these people - just how unsupportive is it of the bloody beurocrats to allow such a thing to occur?

I don't know how many schools one can build in Indonesia for $500 million - or how many seats can be purchased on the UNSC for $400 million ..... actually - how good would our services here be were $43 billion injected into them do you reckon?

*CountessA* · « **Reply #19 on:** January 16, 2011, 02:47:00 PM »

Yes, it is infuriating and painful and horrifying to have to deal with the shortfalls of the current health system.

r3830, you've voiced what I think many people have been thinking. Why can we not afford necessary health care HERE but we can afford to offer financial aid to other countries where there is more than a suggestion the help is for political points?

Yibs, would there any point in your noticeably and obviously recording any conversation with the hospital, stating that you're keeping notes in case there's a long-term problem with your son's hand?

*r3830* · « **Reply #20 on:** January 16, 2011, 03:44:25 PM »

ALWAYS great to see you countess!!

Why can we not afford necessary health care HERE but we can afford to offer financial aid to other countries

Dare I suggest a reason or two......

I think its about perception, popularity if you like...... and most certainly - political in nature.

eg:

"Aren't they a great country! They donate $8 BILLION in foreign aid elsewhere each year - in addition to the odd tid bits from time to time. They even do this, while their own people make sacrifices for it to occur". (sacrifices - sounds sooooo much better than 'going without', don't you think?) I recall Indonesia told us to nick-off regarding a refugee centre, but nonetheless, we still unreservedly support them financially. What wonderful chaps we are - or should that be limited simply to our leaders?

I'm sure everyone has had a great deal of exposure to the Brisbane Flood Tragedy. The terrible loss of life and property, but then the uplifting experience of people who were unknown to each other supporting each other. How GREAT is that! Over forty MILLION dollars raised from the pockets of Australian people in support of others that they don't even know. EXTREME Kudos to all you people! BUT - was I the only person just a little embarrassed.... well, perhaps somewhat more than a little - when Ms Gillard pledged the princely sum of $1 million dollars in support? Coles and Woolies doubled that - alone! Ms Gillard did say that the Federal Government would kick the tin where it comes to the replacement of infrastructure. Materialism at work. Just a thought.... but where does a government get its funding from.......

And to those good people dealing with their own disasters in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia - and here in western NSW - The thoughts are with you too.

*Yibida* · « **Reply #21 on:** January 16, 2011, 11:35:35 PM »

Hi guy's, here is today's hospital result....

turned up at the predetermined time [ made sure we were 1 hour earlier than required ]

after a short heated session at the admission desk about my sons file not found we were booked in... Note: my son left the wrist band on from the previous day THANK GOD in which the patient number enlightened the admission nurse as to where the file could be found...

we were taken to the day surgery section even though no surgeons had arrived at the starting time.. however ... I prepared him in the standard open back gown, booties and head wear required to be worn for such an event ...

{ I was taking no chances to be refused }

finally the professionals arrived one by one ... { all commenting how efficient we were preparing ... BUT... we were told we shouldn't have till someone in official status was there }

Like I said I wasn't going to take No for an answer... for that matter I wasn't going to take ANY excuse for another delay.

I informed every nurse in the ward that passed by of the delays we had the past two days, just to make sure they know how ~~pissed~~ determined we are to have the surgery.

at precisely 8.43AM EST.. he entered the surgery room... A sigh of relieve and overwhelming sense of accomplishment besieged me...

at 11.36 AM EST I inquired how the procedure was going... I was informed the surgery was finished and he was coming out of the anesthetic, I was also told the nerves and tendants were reattached and it was decided plastic surgery would be used instead of a skin graft ...

I have my little boy at home now { 21 years old and still my little boy ... and always will be } he can wiggle all his fingers... ever so slightly but joyous for me at least.

it's early days but from what I see today the little wiggle in the fingers is a good sign, he will need therapy and follow up visits to get the hand working again as before but it's a good start.

I hope no parent has to go through what I've experienced this weekend... thank you for everyone's kind words and encouragement ....

I'm off to bed now... I've had about 3 hours sleep this weekend..

*smee* · « **Reply #22 on:** January 16, 2011, 11:42:10 PM »

Sounds like a good result in the end Yibster , pity about the Pus and pain they make you go through though to get the result ..

hope it heals really well ....

once the wound heals tell him to use similar treatment as the black eye treatment I sent you
and manipulate like a stress ball

*Brum6y* · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2011, 12:45:26 AM »

That is good news Yib.

I can understand your frustration for something so time critical. My boys have had a couple of scrapes - but nothing that traumatic. The worst was when No.2 son got bucked off his bike courtesy of a piece of loose concrete when he ended up with a small plate and a few screws in one foot. Another was also an industrial accident - No.3 son has earned himself a permanent scar from a deep burn to about a 4" x 4" area on his side. But, unlike your experience Yib, the medical treatment was well in hand by the time I got to the hospital.

When I was reading your posts, I was seeing my 21-year-old boy ... my heart was racing - and I felt empty.

I bet he will be far more aware of the hungry side of power tools from now on...!

mandurahmum · « **Reply #24 on:** January 17, 2011, 01:25:50 AM »

Yibs - I am so sorry that all this has happened to your family. You are right - our health system is in dire need of treatment.

We cant get xrays done at our hospital - we have to go to the xray place (technical term) and then back to the hospital with them. Or they send you to Perth - as they did when my son broke his arm. he was sent by taxi because the 2 ambulances were both being used, thankfully the hospital picked up the bill.

Our hospital is very pretty to look at - but just does not function properly - and we are the 22nd largest city in Australia and the health minister is our local member - but still we are broken. We dont have enough doctors and as my doctor is now out of commission I no longer have one - nor can I get one. I am on several waiting lists - the shortest is 12 months. So I have to go to the hospital to get my prescriptions as do all of his patients.

HellWest'nCrooked · « **Reply #25 on:** January 17, 2011, 07:44:22 AM »

Yibster so pleased to hear all that.........thank goodness. Hope it is all uphill from now on mate.

lacey · « **Reply #26 on:** January 17, 2011, 07:46:15 AM »

Glad to hear all is OK with your son. Such bad experiences don't sit well on anyone's shoulders.

And sorry to say but, we been there, done that and that was 7 years ago.

for anyone who thinks this is a relatively new problem just because Labor is in power, I can tell you it isn't.

After a horrendous 3 weeks that nearly cost my son his life, he was finally operated on and we are so lucky that he is still here and just turned 21 himself.

Sorry yibs, I know it's your topic but I am sick of everyone blaming fed Labor, when this has been going on for yonks.

Roo · « **Reply #27 on:** January 17, 2011, 09:45:09 PM »

(((Hugs))) Yibs....as a parent I know that you would be hurting even more than your son right now.

I would be a screaming mess if something like that happened to my Lil Roo...and I probably would have snotted some of those hospital people if that was me in your position

....and then I would have cried!

Did they try to get him fitted into another Hospital?

Cuts like that take a long time to heal...but your boy is young and the young ones heal a lot faster than us old folks. The wound will heal quickly...but it's the nerves that need a lot of time to re-attach.

I almost sliced the top of my thumb off around the time when Elvis died....and the tip still feels numbish after all these years....so he has a hard road ahead of him right now. But if he is anything like you...he will adapt and take it in his stride.

Was there anything at work that could be considered a Health & Safety issue? Could this have been prevented?

*CountessA* · « **Reply #28 on:** January 17, 2011, 10:11:50 PM »

Yib, I'm so glad to hear that your son has had the damage attended to. AT LAST.

You kept your temper remarkably well, and I am glad the hospital staff did understand the agonising stress, pain and difficulty through which they'd put your son and of course you (stress-wise) and Mrs Yibs. Which hospital was it?

*Yibida* · « **Reply #29 on:** January 17, 2011, 10:15:29 PM »

Quote from: *Countessa* on January 17, 2011, 10:11:50 PM

Yib, I'm so glad to hear that your son has had the damage attended to. AT LAST.

You kept your temper remarkably well, and I am glad the hospital staff did understand the agonising stress, pain and difficulty through which they'd put your son and of course you (stress-wise) and Mrs Yibs. Which hospital was it?

Countess... first contact was the Footscray Hospital { to busy with emergencies } ... then referred to the Sunshine Hospital --- first attempt fail --- second attempt successful..

Centuries · « **Reply #30 on:** January 17, 2011, 11:06:58 PM »

Yibs, I am so pleased your son has finally undergone the surgery. Now you will be able to concentrate on his rehabilitation, which is so important.

I hope all goes well.

*Ubbie Max* · « **Reply #31 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:40:27 AM »

Good to hear it's been fixed Yib. How would your son have been able to fire the Barrett 50 cal if his trigger finger didn't work & it's very difficult to pop a can of Pepsi Max with crook fingers.

callostemma · « **Reply #32 on:** January 18, 2011, 12:07:00 PM »

With money being diverted to flood relief and repair ,I personally can't see the situation getting better in a hurry.

lacey · « **Reply #33 on:** January 18, 2011, 02:36:27 PM »

Is there somewhere online where you can see how much the govt brings in a year and how much it spends and where it all goes?

It's no good us all saying we pay taxes and they waste it on this that and the other but the hospitals and schools miss out. I for one would love to see whats happening with it all. So is it available for us to see or not?

Or are we all just turning into a country of people who expect the govt to pay for everything and have it all perfect immediately. By the way, I do know some people like that.

*smee* · « **Reply #34 on:** January 18, 2011, 08:01:31 PM »

something like this Lacey or more item specific

http://www.ato.gov.au/budget/2009-10/content/overview/html/overview_40.htm

golden · « **Reply #35 on:** January 18, 2011, 08:18:53 PM »

Quote from: lacey on January 18, 2011, 02:36:27 PM

Is there somewhere online where you can see how much the govt brings in a year and how much it spends and where it all goes?

It's no good us all saying we pay taxes and they waste it on this that and the other but the hospitals and schools miss out. I for one would love to see whats happening with it all. So is it available for us to see or not?

Or are we all just turning into a country of people who expect the govt to pay for everything and have it all perfect immediately. By the way, I do know some people like that.

See thats the thing Lacey. All you baby boomers have done nothing for this country..... Now us Gen Y's have to pay for a whole country that hasn't been bothered to build infrastructure, save for a rainy day or pay into superannuation. You expect us to give up our here and now but you didn't think about this when you were worrying about your 3 kids, picket fence and a new holden car. Can you blame us for wanting Nitschke for PM?

THIS IS A TEAL POST, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND,

*CountessA* · « **Reply #36 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:06:13 PM »

Oh, those words! TEAL!

It's taken on a whole new persona...

News:

Author Topic: Our hospital system is on life support ! .... (Read 13384 times)