Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2000/2001

A woman who was booked into a small private hospital for the birth of her first
child had discussed with her doctor her wish to have an epidural for pain
management. On the day of her admission the Hospital was unable to locate a
suitable anaesthetist and she had to deliver her baby without the epidural. The
Hospital explained they did not employ doctors but kept a list of on-call
specialists. Unfortunately, no-one was available at the time of her admission as it
had been a holiday weekend and two of the specialists had been at an overseas
conference. The Hospital said it would expand its list of on-call doctors to avoid
future problems.
A woman complained, on behalf of her frail elderly father, who was an in-patient
in a private hospital awaiting placement in a nursing home. On two occasions he
was taken for diagnostic tests - a chest x-ray and an ultrasound. Each time he
queried the staff as to why he needed the tests. They ignored him but afterwards
checked his arm band and realised that he was not the patient who needed these
investigations. The man raised it with his physician but was ignored and made
to feel as if it were his fault. His daughter complained to the HSC. The provider
responded acknowledging their error. They assured the complainant that the
matter had been discussed at all the relevant committees to highlight the
complaint and to ensure that this type of incident did not reoccur. The
complainant was satisfied with the response.
A woman underwent a diagnostic test in a private hospital. When she was
getting down off the trolley she slipped and fell. As a result, she broke her toe
and had to undergo extensive treatment. Following a complaint to the HSC, the
hospital agreed to provide all necessary care including accommodation and
crutches free of charge. They also agreed to the reimbursement of the cost of
taxis to and from her treatment.
Health Services Commissioner Annual Report 2000/2001 47