Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2000/2001

he was being given (which he had previously tried) did not adequately control his
condition and caused him significant side effects. Contact was made with the
provider to clarify the situation. Following a number of discussions, the health
service provider apologised and agreed that the man should have access to his
usual medication.
A woman complained to the HSC that she took her elderly mother to a public
hospital after a fall at home. Her hip was x-rayed and a brain scan was taken as
she had previously suffered a stroke. After 6 hours of waiting in accident and
emergency for a diagnosis and treatment, the daughter had to leave to collect
children after school. She was advised to take her mother with her because there
were no beds available. However the daughter insisted that they look after her
mother and undertook to return immediately. Nevertheless after waiting a total
of 9 hours the elderly woman was sent home without medication or advice other
than to return in a few days if pain persisted.
The following day the daughter took her mother to their regular G.P. who
arranged for immediate admission to hospital for an urgent operation. The
complaint was sent to the provider and a response was sought. The provider met
with the woman's daughter shortly after she had lodged the complaint with this
Office. She discussed her concerns with the Director of Medical Services in the
presence of the Koori Hospital Liaison Officer and it was acknowledged that her
concerns were valid. The provider advised that it would emphasise the
importance of the matters raised by the woman with Hospital staff. The woman
contacted the Office to advise that she was satisfied with the action taken by the
Hospital and did not want to pursue the matter any further.
There were a number of visits to both Metropolitan and Country areas to raise the
awareness of the Office amongst aboriginal communities. The HSC is committed to
increasing awareness and accessibility for indigenous people and hopes to
significantly increase these visits in the forthcoming year.
PRISONER COMPLAINTS
Complaints from prisoners have risen to 116 which is an increase of 50% over the
same time last year. This is possibly due to prisoners increased awareness of the
presence of the HSC. Five metropolitan and country prisons were been visited over
the last 12 months, with further visits being planned up to 30 December 2001. Again
this has contributed to the increase in numbers of complaints.
Issues prisoners complain about remain the same with the majority of complaints
being about medication regimes, waiting times to access services, and general
treatment issues.
A prisoner complains of not yet having seen a dentist when he had lodged an
application to see one 7 weeks previously.
A prisoner complained about not having access to medication (Rivitril 2mg).
Prior to being incarcerated, the prisoner took this medication to alleviate
behavioural problems.
Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2000/2001 33