Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) treatment in 24 Neurosurgery clinics in Australia

My experiences here aren't great at all. My partner had his appendix out here this year, kept cancelling his operation at 5pm then not giving him any dinner, this went on for 4 days. I was there for a scan for my pregnancy last week. Person doing it was male, and quite rude, ignored any questions I had. This morning we went again to find out our scheduled scan was already completed two weeks ago, that they had done two scans in one, so we went to have our bloods done. I'm not usually impatient ornride towards hospital staff at all, but the woman who pushed in front of us was seen first, and the phlebotomists, all 5 of them the. Left us sitting there and saw 9 other people ahead of us while we waited for over an hour, they just saw anyone else who walked in. It was so rude I eventually got up and walked out.

This is my second visit for surgery the first was a couple of years ago for a kidney stones I fasted for 3 days waiting each day for the non-existing surgery. Today I am in exactly the same position, day 2 of fasting. If you are needing emergency surgery, expect to wait, be frustrated and be hungry. PS they will give you a couple of sandwiches when the message finally comes in that the surgery will be tomorrow. Walk out get hit by a car and then you may get looked at

Alone mother with my child. We had the worse experience. Staff don't communicate, no catering for remote living transports. Indigenous just abuse the staff and ended up in our room also using their kid as a place to sleep the night. I hope to never be sent to this place again.

A great hospital made so by its staff. The nurses make this a five star place to be (even for those of us who loathe hospitals). The compassion, attention to detail, and FOLLOW THROUGH on things which are promised to take place. Meet anyone in the mingling area outside and there isn’t a bad word to be said for all it’s arenas of practice from mental health, alcohol counselling, pain control and so forth. Management must be doing something right because staff are actually happy doing what they’re doing, which has the obvious follow on effect of stellar patient treatment. Where other places are found wanting, your loved ones will be well taken care of here.

From my wife Christine McKinsley. Had a knee replacement done on 17 aug by Dr Weber. The first few days i wasn't sure how I felt but they discovered my blood was low so after transfusion I got along in leaps and bounds. My heartfelt thanks to the doctor and nursing staff in medical ward and also to the physio staff. You all do a wonderful job. The catering and cleaning staff nursing staff etc were all so friendly and professional. I was in Portsea Ward Thank for taking care of me whilst I was there and I won't hesitate to recommend Beleura hospital to one and all. I wish each and everyone of you the best in your chosen professions.maybe I will see you all again later in the year with my right knee. 😂😂. Many many thanks. From Christine McKinsley

I recently had a total Hip Replacement at Beleura Private Hospital and also did inpatient Rehabilitation on Mc Crae ward. I cannot thank every single person enough. From the moment I walked in the doors the professionalism and care I received was second to none. I would highly recommend Orthopaedic Surgeon Brad Crick he has done an excellent job for me personally ( thankyou so much ) All the Drs, Nurses, OTs, Physiotherapist, Porters were absolutely amazing they all worked so well as a team and made me feel welcomed and safe ( Thankyou ) Thanks also goes to the catering team the food was excellent ( my trays always went back empty 🙂 ) and the staff were lovely and friendly. All the cleaners were friendly and easy to talk to everyone and did a wonderful job. I'm currently doing outpatient Rehabilitation there and still finding everyone so nice friendly and helpful. So I'm guessing you can see by my review that I personally had a wonderful experience. Regards Kerry Pyne 🙂

If you ever need to go to hospital I suggest you don't go to this one, one of the worse hospitals in Perth. 1. My grandmother was dying in hospital so naturally all of her family were there to be with her for her last breaths, the staff were rude and wouldn't let us all be with her, these were the last moments we will never get back. Thanks for your compassion Fiona Stanley. 2. My dad had triple bypass surgery after waiting one or two weeks for one of the best open heart surgeons. Surgery all went well apparently. One week after, the hospital called my family to say he was being discharged, my mum and sister got there and the paper work wasn't ready and said they could post it out so they didn't have to wait any longer, which is all fine but... No doctor came to see my family to let them know what kind of care my dad would need or any other information necessary for when he's home. Two days later he died. What was the point for the government in spending so much money on surgeons when patients of major surgery get kicked out of the beds too soon and left to fend for themselves?! The lack of care and compassion for patients and their families is disgusting, I really hope this hospital gets better for the sake of the people of Perth.

The medical support is great. However, more cultural awareness trainings are needed for some of the staff. For the 1st time, today, I've heard a very inappropriate conversation which could negatively affect patients of certain background. I've reported the incident to the Dr in duty who I hope will take care of it for a better well-being of the hospital patients and staff

I gave birth via c section because my son my breech and the whole team were amazing. I felt so comfortable through the whole process. They talked us through everything they were doing as it was happening and our son arrived happy and healthy. We received the best care in the days after giving birth, I couldn't fault the team. Every appointment I had throughout my pregnancy was amazing. As a first time mammy, it was a lovely experience.

The staff were very attentive and helpful. Arriving at midnight after a workplace incident they adequately took details and then immediately took me through. The staff member was very courteous and reassuring throughout my treatment.

A big thank you to all the staff for looking after my husband. You have done a wonderful job, from the orderlies, food staff, cleaners, nurses and doctors. Everyone has been so kind and caring. Thanks again from all of us.

A beautiful modern hospital with modern fixtures a mall-like atmosphere. The main thoroughfare is lovely but some waiting rooms are small and the multi-stage waiting room system often seems somewhat unnecessary as it is less efficient now that you are unable to check yourself in for an appointment. Instead, you still have to line up to speak with a receptionist - just like you did at the old hospital. The outdoor plaza and the garden areas are a nice touch; hosting community events and providing patients with some much needed respite, and fresh air.

Dr Anthony Chau was my angel and lifesaver.. I suffered for 3.5months with a L4L5 bulging disc and he pulled me out of hell. I will be forever grateful for his care, compassion and service. He did a remarkable job. I feel so blessed 🙏 thank you Dr Anthony Chau with all my heart.

Dr Papacostas completely misdiagnosed me and caused me three extra months of pain and loss of mobility. Thankfully I got a second opinion and have just had surgery to correct a prolapsed disc. The pain has now gone, and I have regained all function in my leg. My main grip with him is that he did not listen to my concerns on the follow-up appointment which was by phone. He just dismissed them out of hand and told me the problem was being caused by arthritis and to seek pain management. If he had reviewed the MRI (which I doubt) he would have seen the prolapsed disc which was quickly picked up by the second neurosurgeon who was looking at the same MRI. My message to him is to listen to what the patient is telling you

BCNC has been very professional and taken great care with their service's to both my husband and myself. I recently have been seeing Dr Amato who performed a spinal fusion on me, and it was nothing but a good experience. Dr Amato has a great bed side manner, explains everything well, and great post operative care. I had no hesitations deciding to go forth with a second fusion required. Thank you BCNC, Dr Campbell, and Dr Woods, but most of all thank you Dr Amato - you are a champion.

Treated at the old Peter Mac many years ago and it was beyond excellent. But my experience at the new Peter Mac includes a lost referral, lost history, lost blood results, lost u/s results, relevant medication information not given, existing medical conditions potentially impacted by proposed treatment not considered or discussed, and incorrect information documented that contradicts what my GP sent to them AND which contradicts reports from when I was there before!. Trying to get it sorted out - impossible.

Subjected to absolutely disgusting treatment at this hospital. Elective Surgery Manager was rude , terse and has no people skills what so ever. As expected when I lodged a request for explanation the Cancer Surgery Manager chose to disregard key facts and dismissed me completely. Patients aren’t just Medicare numbers . Avoid this hospital at all costs .

The peter mac staff are all awesome from the security and domestic staff to the teams of surgeons and nurses who helped me through the whipple procedure i had back on 15th March . I cant say thankyou enough. The ongoing post operation treatment has also been fantastic.

Yesterday, I had to have an operation at RPA. It was amazing service, and the staff were wonderful. All the nurses and doctors were fantastic, and I would like to commend them on their work and thank them again very much. Great job. Thank you 😊

The hospital is hit miss like all of NSW Health. The nurses have mental health issues so depending on which nurse you get, either you will receive good care or be subjected to abuse like having your meds not given, information not provided, details not passed to your doctors (who often review remotely so you don’t see them every day). The outsourced food is not relevant to your needs and not replaced with adequate nutrition if you have allergies etc. I saw one new father deliberately kept outside because the nurses didn’t like him then watched them laugh at the struggling new mum who was doing things without support and the nurses just watched, didn’t help her. Same with trying to get information from Doctors, they simply don’t talk to you. The information provided by the nurses is often half-truths designed to placate people not be honest with them.

I don’t know if they will see it but thank you so much to Maddie, Lisa, Eva, Greg, Todd and all of the other overworked nurses and drs who looked after me whose names I didn’t catch or couldn’t remember. I just had my appendix out and it was my first ever hospital visit and everyone was so kind and attentive. I really appreciate how hard you all work. Thank you so much ♥️

I can't thank the staff enough. Our time at RPH was outstanding care. The nurses do amazing job. These people who work in our hospitals are angels. I understand our health care system has its hiccups. But with put there care my son would not be in the great care he us today

I want to thank the Emergency Department Dr Poppy when my Dad was brought in after collapsing at home on the 10th of November. He was then transferred to ICU and looked after by Dr Peter. We can’t thank all the nurses and doctors enough! Your kindness and care were outstanding. You always kept us up to date and had time to explain Dad’s situation.

I was hit by a car on Wednesday whilst riding my scooter home from TAFE and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency by ambulance. I want to thank all the paramedics, nurses and doctors who looked after me and did every possible test to make sure my bones and internal organs were not affected by the collision. I stayed there from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. the next day and was discharged after confirmation. I only had muscle injuries and was able to return home safely. Thank you so much for all the support and kidness ❤️

A big shout out to the doctors and nurses at Dickinson south building level 2. Your care is elite. Your all angels that deserve amazing lives. May God bless all of you Doctors, Nurses and health care professionals.

I’ve been in the Emergency Department of Prince of Wales, a number of times in my life. I waited a very long time only once. I had only 1 bad experience where I was in observation in bed and I could not get a peaceful sleep as the doctors kept checking on me every hour and kept my light on the whole time. The next day, they forgot to remove the IV from my arm and sent me home. Overall, not too bad experience.

Tammy was an excellent night nurse who woke me up very gentle and made sure i was ok. She distracted me from my injury and made my stay very calm and comfortable. I am very thankful to of had her as my nurse :)

I had an excellent experience at St Vincent's. During admission and discharge the Admin staff were friendly and efficient. The nursing staff were very professional and made me feel comfortable both prior to and post-surgery. Physios didn't make me feel like I had to overdo exercises post-surgery and the room service means of ordering meals is a great idea. And the food was good. Overall, great experience.

Recent day surgery at St V's. Staff were friendly and professional from the moment I entered the building. Could not fault the process from start to finish. Highly recommended this hospital.

"St. Vincent's Hospital in Toowoomba provides exceptional healthcare services. The staff is highly professional, caring, and knowledgeable, ensuring patients' well-being. The facility is well-maintained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The overall experience was positive, with efficient processes and minimal waiting times. However, improvements can be made in terms of communication and providing more information to patients. Nonetheless, I highly recommend St. Vincent's Hospital for their top-notch medical care."

Hospital was so clean, smells so good everywhere you go! Room service was the bestest! Food was fantastic! Staying there was like staying at a hotel! Friendly and very accomodating staff members!

Excellent facilities, from the admin to nurses and doctors. I cannot recommend this hospital enough, everyone was amazing, room was clean and quiet and the food was good too!

I had my very first planned Surgery at St vincent private hospital Werribee, very clean, calm environment. Starting from admission to post surgery care and till you go home, everything is excellent, the staff - I was with Dr Adam Boyt and team, Anaesthetists - Peter and support staff, Ema make you feel relaxed. Post surgery when I was in recovery room, remember somehow person waking me up and taking at-most care - I believe he is John or Ron my apologies for the name. After moving to my own specious private room Francies and Liam took very good care of me. At any moment they were ready to help you for anything. Overall very much satisfied with the care and services @Vincent Hospital. I think you should start private emergencies as well. 🙂. Going to write amazing Review separately for Dr Adam Boyt and Team.

I had self funded surgery here 6 weeks ago. My surgeon and anaesthetist were amazing. 10/10. The nurses I had when I came out of recovery were great. Attention to detail, caring, wonderful. The nurses I had the following day were average. The surgery cost $11950, I was in hospital less than 18 hours. My admission was messed up, so after fasting from 9pm for an 8am surgery, I wasn’t admitted until after 4pm. Surgery went great and was out of recovery by 8pm. The next morning I wasn’t given any fluids or anything and was discharged not long after waking. I was given the wrong discharge papers and medication scripts too. Please do better in future. I would definitely think twice about having surgery here again.

All the staff at the Wesley are amazing. Even when staff are super busy, they are friendly, they make time for you and your every concern. The staff look happy and appear to work as a well oiled team. Comfortable rooms and great food choices (including Vegan options) and service. Remember, it is a Hospital not a restaurant. It really is the best! Thank you Wesley

Professional staff, every nurse and doctors were amazing at the Wesley hospital. Special thanks to Dr GOUGH who performed an excellent thyroid operation.

Saved my life (twice). Had I been anywhere else I would be 6 foot under. Thank you so much to all the staff who helped me and medical records in particular Ms Gee who was highly competent. I would like to thank the surgeon and staff who operated on me. I simple do not understand the negative reviews here, try going to other parts of the world and see healthcare others have. Thank you.

I recently had a positive experience at Canberra Hospital, and I'm eager to share my feedback. Dr. Phillip, the surgeon, delivered an outstanding level of care, demonstrating expertise and professionalism throughout. Nurse Manita was incredibly cooperative, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed during my stay. The follow-up care from Nurse '' ROSE'' was exceptional—her kindness, care, and sweet demeanor made a significant difference in my overall experience. I appreciate the dedication and compassion displayed by the medical team at Canberra Hospital.

Very professional staff working efficiently and compassionately under enormous pressure due to a chronically underfunded hospital system. Many of the negative reviews reveal narrow minded attitudes and highly unrealistic expectations of a stressed public health system. We are lucky to have such a hospital in Canberra, which last I was aware is actually the second busiest trauma hospital in the nation- accepting patients not only from Canberra but transfers from regional areas and Sydney.

Waited since 11pm to be seen, at 5.30am was taken in to be seen by a doctor, 7am and still not seen by a doctor and asked to leave the room and bed as someone else needs it. Absolutely shocking. One doctor on. We are in Australia and cannot receive decent medical attention. Disgusted and will never return here. Triage staff rude.

UPDATE CANCELS Pediatric APPOINTMENT OF MY FIVE YR OLD NEPHEW A DAY BEFORE BY TEXT AND SAID ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WILL BE SENT OUT BY MAIL. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Looking abit disheveled bc of lack of sleep and nurse looks me up and down with a judgey look on her face and rolls her eyes. Honestly the nurses are awful. Trainee nurses can't hit veins and be disclosing personal information about themselves (that they take Zoloft, while forgetting to tell drs I need pain medication, put hot tea in front of my face nearly permanently scarring my eye, also forgetting to ask Drs to check my cervix which nearly led to the loss of my baby and when it finally was checked baby was about to be born her head was past cervix expected to deliver baby on my own and i was unessasarly on heavy painkillers for longer which led to withdrawal symptoms for my child.) Honestly completely unprofessional if they're having a bad day. Old hospital is falling apart while private is upgraded. Honestly if your overworked you shouldn't be working. And that's part of your training. Completely alienated by the nurses looking after my child, it's literally fd up. No information on breastfeeding just yes or no and then a pump sent to my room. Resulting in potentially life threatening mastitis. Along with completely messing up my mental health the social workers seriously need to learn some decorum or at least basic manners.

80 year old woman sat in ED waiting room after botched abdominal surgery in regional hospital. Sat in wheelchair for about five hours in FMC ED after being hastily sewn up by regional surgeon. No pain relief given, eventually admitted into ED and given a bed around 11:00 pm, seen by doctor around 4:00 am the following morning… Eventually admitted to appropriate ward where the specialist and nurses have been brilliant!

Gross negligence in patient care- avoid this hospital like the plague.. it’s an absolute joke. if I could give no stars I would. If you value your life and want a good chance of recovery and not to die due to poor nursing and “specialist care” - DO NOT GO TO GREENSLOPES… you have been warned.

Had private health cover for most of my adult life and one time I needed to use it, the experience was so horrible. I’ve triggered Ramsay rule 3 times without success, was told medical director was going to see me, but that did not ever happen. I was eventually transferred to a public hospital, and experience was so much better.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the hospital and its incredible team for the exceptional support and care we received during my cesarean section. The nurses and Midwife were outstanding, the food was worthy of a 5-star hotel, and Dr. Melissa Mckenzie proved to be the best in the world. Every detail of our stay was handled with professionalism and warmth, making us feel cared for and comfortable. Even after 5 days, I would have wished to extend our stay because they made us feel at home. Highly recommended! Thank you all for making this moment so special and peaceful for my baby and me. 👶🌟"

Wouldn’t recommend as a private patient, during fasting the staff ate in front of you and it was loud and chaotic. It’s outdated and worn down. Worst experience of a hospital I have had. Was offered a sandwich at the end that had condensation on the plastic. Communication was terrible. Sat for 2.5 hours with no updates. The clothes given to wear for surgery was scratchy and uncomfortable. Bed sheets had stains. Understaffed and overbooked.

I stayed overnight in Ward 5D (Orthopedic ) in July 2023. The nurses and other staff were excellent. The only problem I had was the constant ringing of the bell. It was so loud . No one seem to be concerned about it . I did not get a minute of sleep even though the nurse gave me earplugs which didn’t block the noise at all. One staff told me the noise is always ongoing. Can they not turn the volume down a bit ? Unfortunately the specialist who treated me operated at this hospital. I have to change to another Dr and go to another private hospital if I need orthopedic treatment in future. I have mentioned this noise problem in the survey I completed post discharge. I have not received any explanation .

What can I say saved my life end of story great team of doctors, nurse's and support staff I'd love to come back but rather not haha great work keep saving lives your good at it

Presented with chest/breathing problems. Directed to station to give all admin details and make payment. All very streamlined, then waited and was taken to a isolation room. They apparentley should not have sent me to waiting room as l am highly infectious. When in room lost all cell and wifi. Asked many staff none had any idea of hospital wifi codes. 6 hours later at desk again to make outstanding payment. I mentioned that maybe it was a admin role that they tell people how to access hospital wifi as this was an ideal momment. They certainly were able to take money and l signed for my insurance. The slim older woman wirh blond grey hair let me know very aggresively that it was not her job. While at the far end of the counter was a business card with wifi details..... Just appaling her lack of care. Surely patients maintaing contact with family, matters as the hospital phone also did not work in room, however she could not care less and let me know that. The rest of the staff are amazing. After tests l have Influenza A.

Currently staying over night & I’m blown away by the staff. They were all very attentive & reassured me before, after and during. Was laughing through my whole experience which has never happened before! Lovely people who do an amazing job.

If there is 0 star, I will give it to Cabrini. Back in early Jan 2023, I was referred by my GP to Cabrini to receive intravenous antibiotics due to swelling in my foot. The reception in the ED asked me to complete a form, provided my Medicare and Medibank information, and I paid $485. At that time, I inquired about any additional out-of-pocket expenses as I was covered by private insurance, and I was clearly told there would be none. I was then placed on a bed in a ward. A doctor examined my foot and, after assessing it, decided not to administer IV antibiotics and no treatment is required, but asked me to take an ultrasound test on my foot. Since there will be no treatment plus I had several meetings that day, I specifically asked whether I could return home first and had the test later if still needed. The doctor told me he would inform me of the expected waiting time; if it was lengthy, I could leave and have the tests done at my GP, but if it was short, I could have them done at the hospital. Later, he informed me that the test could be done quickly, so I proceeded with it at the hospital. It took me more than 6 hours to finish the test and wait for result. In the end I was discharged without any treatment. During the checkout process, I once again inquired at the front desk whether there were any additional out-of-pocket expenses beyond the $485 I had already paid, and I was told there were none. A few weeks later, I received the test invoice, after discussing the matter with Cabrini accounting team, I was informed that I had never actually been admitted to the hospital. Does Cabrini expect an ordinary consumer to identify the difference between an outpatient ward and an admission ward? Not to mention I was informed by your staff there will be no additional out-of-pocket expense, plus no treatment at all, totally misleading!!! Even worse, after I raised a compliant to CRM Cabrini, received feedback telling me the invoice will be put on hold until review is done. Since then, no one from Cabrini has communicated with me. Last week, I got a letter from collector chasing payment, what an arrogant and disgraceful act! Stay away from Cabrini!

What superb care my darling 95yr old Dad received in their A&E dept!!!! The Male Nurse, 'Nappy', was so kind, compassionate and approachable and so gentle with my Dad. Thanks to him, I was able to take my Dad home later this afternoon, problem rectified and my Dad in much better spirits too! The triage Nurse was really lovely and the clerk, Julie, was also incredibly kind, calm and compassionate. They are a shining example of what all A&E Department should aspire to! So very grateful! God bless you all. 🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼

It's disgraceful for a hospital that holds itself out as one of the premier hospitals. They are not equipped to care for elderly and frail patients who as we well know often suffer from poor appetite and require more intensive attention. . My wife who in her 80s, is frail and weak, has been in there for two weeks and no one has checked her food intake. During the two weeks she only had mostly soup. I had to point this out to them and request for food supplement to be provided. The nurses explain that they are understaffed and can only provide the basic attention and care. On the other hand the nurses are polite and kind but obviously stressed.

After severing an artery and nerve at my workplace, I was directed to attend SJOG Murdoch for reparative surgery by Dr Sharon Chu. From the moment I set foot in the hospital, the level of kindness, care and competence was exemplary. Orderlies were extremely kind and attentive, the nurses and doctors were super efficient and lovely, I couldn't fault anyone I came into contact with. My anaesthetist, Dr James Miller was similarly amazing, taking my past history with genersl anaesthesia into account and ensuring I did not wake up sick and vomiting after the GA as I usually do. I woke up in recovery feeling great, with no hint of nausea. Dr Chu was similarly impressive, not only by doing a great job on the repair, but by being kind, attentive and very reassuring. Her smile lit up the room and completely put me at ease, it made all the difference and eased my pre-op anxiety! My breakfast the next day was superb and ordering off the room service menu felt as though I was in a 5 star hotel! It was delivered promptly with a smile by another lovely hospital employee and was hot & delicious. I truly felt that I was having a lovely holiday, with just a bit of surgery thrown in for good measure! I cannot fault my experience at SJOG Murdoch and give my heartfelt thanks to all imvolved in my care!

The best experience ever… thank you so much level 3 birthing unit … I loved every bit of my delivery and the care was the best thank you to my obstetrician dr margie harpham … and all the nurses.

Due to h to he doctor rupturing my spleen during a routine colonoscopy I now have had to stay 2 nights & have extra tests- all at my cost! The food is appalling I haven’t seen a piece of fruit & none offered-just sweet biscuits & muffins! So much healing foods. Nursing staff have been fantastic though hence some stars. Any other business the client would not pay for doctors mistakes! A bit upset !

I had minor surgery there last week which required me to stay 3 nights. Service on arrival and admission was friendly and efficient. Post surgery, the care from Lee in Recovery and the team on Level 5 was excellent - very caring and kind. Thank you so very much to all including; Tate, Georgina, Hema, Ricky, Miguel & Sarah and two other lovely nurses whose names I can't remember. Your kindness was greatly appreciated.

I don't know where to start from,I had a fall on Oct 7 2023 and ambulance took me to ED,I was attended fast and though I was high with green whistle but I can still say all the staff who attended me was very supportive. Mind it I never been to hospital in my full life. After I came out of theatre, I moved to orthopedic ward,some ward5 ..sorry don't exactly remember, but the Nursing staff there was so helpful and supportive they really tried there best,they talk positive they listen you ,understand you and took care of your dignity and privacy,after a week I moved to.plastic OMG the Nursing staff there was like an angles sorry I can't name anyone as they all were the best including an Asian uni student.what a great level of skills and patience the staff have.thank you very much all doctors and nursing staff to fix me up and taking a great care of me.will surely visit in person to pay my gratitude and to say thanks to all once am completely recovered. Wish you all a very merry x mas and a happy new year. Regards

You've been fantastic! Your positive attitude and kindness reassured my family that I was being looked after, and throughout my stay I felt I was in good hands. I am now feeling stronger, and I am feeling much more hopeful about my recovery. Kind regards, Saba

We were ask to attend for an elective planned surgery. This is a second procedure follow on from the first. The 1st admission process was smooth with minor hiccups that we overlooked because we were happy with the surgical outcome. The second procedure we were aware that we might be the 3rd listed for surgery. We were advised to attend for pre-admission procedure at 6.30 am. We did as we were told. The nurse advised us that we might be called in at 1130hrs to get ready to be taken to theatre. We waited, waited and waited and no call for theatre or a decency of an update on the delay. We attend RMH at the surgeon request which we know is best with the expert in the field here. We attended as private patient in a public system. We don't have any problem with that arrangement either. But someone who is highly anxious with heighten anxiety and a delay such as this is entirely unacceptable. It further exacerbated with such appalling poor communication. Providing the best health care does not stop at surgical outcome alone, but how the patient and the family made to feel the entire experience will be what constitutes best health care. I don't know this is a result of poor training where empathy is out of the window or complete complacency of the public system. If one were to admit to ED, with no bed within 4 hours will be a red flag. Not until we approached the reception staff we received an update. What has been a good encounter is tarnish by such lack of attention to basic courtesy of good communication. Very disappointing today.