Lived Experience Forum

[oceangirl]

Hi there,

I am meant to go into a private hospital in just over four weeks time- I have requested the same Dr from my last admission- they said they can't guarantee I will see this Dr, depending on numbers when I am admitted etc. I am feeling a bit disappointed. I don't know what to say to them?

[MagicAnt]

Hi there @oceangirl, do you visit the doctor from your last admission outside the hospital?  For me, I insisted on seeing my regular psychiatrist when I was admitted to a private hospital (he consulted there) to maintain my continuity of care, and although I had to wait a few extra days before my first consultation, I got to see him.  

Let the staff at the hospital know how important it is for you and your health to see the same doctor, and I am sure they will do their best to accomodate your wishes.  If it is a private hospital, then I am sure you should have an important say in the management of your health.

[oceangirl]

Hi @MagicAnt

No I don't visit the Doctor outside of the hospital- as the hospital is interstate. I have delayed my admission because I am going overseas and prefer to be admitted when I return because I am landing back in Australia interstate, it made sense to be admitted then.

Most Doctors admit there regular patients and I would have requested to see my regular treating Dr too, for the reasons you have stated- continuity of care.

When I phoned them yesterday I requested to be under her care and today I phoned the person who did the assessment, and she said that they can't guarantee I will see the Dr I requested because of numbers(how many patients she is seeing when I am admitted).

I think I have given them enough notice ie 4 weeks to ensure I have the same Dr- I could phone and speak to the intake manager and put my wishes forward to her. I though the patient had the choice of Dr when being admitted into a private hospital.

[Kurra]

Hi @oceangirl

Put your request in writing with your reasons for wanting this doctor. Once you've put it in writing you have a record of your request whereas speaking to someone on the phone doesn't guarantee that the person you speak to will make a note of your request.
Written records are always a good practice. Hugzzz 🎶💕🎶

[oceangirl]

Hi @Kurra

Good to hear from you. The person who I spoke to, said to me she put a note in my clinical notes. The other option I phone the intake manager and ask what the process is to make sure I am talking to the right person? I think I will be disappointed if I don't see her that is my only concern. I know I should have no expectations that way I will not be hurt or disappointed.

Are you still taking the same medication??

[Kurra]

How far back are you going with that question @oceangirl?

[oceangirl]

I think about 12 months ago, on the BB board @Kurra 

[Kurra]

Ahaa. No I'm on no meds specifically for bipolar now. I'm so well I don't need them. I'm on one for anxiety that is absolute magic and one for epilepsy although it's 45 years since I had a seizure @oceangirl. The other meds I take are for physical illnesses.

[oceangirl]

It mite be the one for anxiety (lex***o) . I think you said it helped with sleep too. I am so happy that you are doing so well. Atm I can't see the progress I have made @Kurra

[Kurra]

Spot on @oceangirl. Often we're the last ones to notice the change. You've come a long way since we first met. 😃