Putting in complaints about medical staff

[Guest guest]

I was always one to silently complain about things, never voicing my

opinion, the typical shy introverted girl. Until it got too much for

me and one small thing turned into a life and death situation.

I didn't know what to do one hospital visit, as tests that I needed

to be done weren't happening, even when the surgeon had requested

them and staff weren't answering to the buzzes. There was something

else that made my mother call the patient advocate,( I can't even

remember what it was) and it was amazing how everything suddenly

changed when she was brought into the situation.

Usually I would feel funny about going back to a place I had

complained about, but when I had the need to be back at that

hospital, the staff who knew me (not hard because I have been their

only Australian sounding patient *lol*) and of the complaints we

lodged against some of the staff there, didn't hold any bad feelings

towards me. Which is how it should be. The care I get there now is

exceptional.

Another time I had no problems reporting a nurse, because I was

rolling around the floor, unable to stand, sit or lay down I was in

so much pain, and after 3 hours of buzzing for pain meds a nurse

finally came to my room, only to tell me they were extremely busy

and would get to me when they could. Still no one came to give me

any for a further 2 hours. That was absolutely ridiculous.

The head nurse came in with the Patient Advocate at that hospital a

few minutes after I had spoken with the Patient Advocate and

apologized and said that I would not be left that long without meds

again for that visit. I would and still do allow up to 2 hours past

my first buzz to receive my pain meds, but have been told I

shouldn't have to wait any longer than 20 minutes to at least be

acknowledged by a nurse and then get my pain meds to me no later

than 10 minutes after that acknowledgement...but sometimes

situations happen and it can't be helped.