Retinoblastoma treatment in 13 Oncology clinics in Australia

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.

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.

I want to express my deepest thanks to the doctors and nurses at RCH, particularly the nurses in Possum ward, for their exceptional care of my daughter Ophelia Low. Your unwavering attention and support truly alleviated our stress during her stay. Thank you sincerely once more.

I was at the emergency with my child today and we saw Dr Kae. He was very knowledgeable. He put me at ease with the concern I was having. I was very worried coming in and waiting long but the 2 hour wait went very quick. I was offered something to drink from a volunteer and when my child’s name was called, the nurse even helped me pushed my pram for me. I’m very happy with my first time experience at RCH today.

Salute to all the doctors and nurses working at this hospital. You guys were awesome! I cannot thank you enough, the amount of support and love show to my 4 year old son who had an Asthma attack. Very professional and friendly. You saved my sons life and il be forever grateful. 🩵💙

Worst worst experience ever in my whole life. Brining my child to the emergency and surgery ward, kept him fasting for unexpected hours. My poor child was asking for food Was no updates and everyone was coming we can’t give him drink as they gona take him to the surgery Nothing happened even after waiting 13 hours in without food😡

After having a great experience at the NICU for numerous weeks, my wife and I were looking forward to spending time in 9B as we were allowed to stay the night until our baby boy was discharged. However, that, the care from our surgical team and the allied health team was the only great experience we had at QCH. We did experience a couple of great nurses throughout our time there though, but unfortunately we both felt the nurse care and support was not there. The change overs each day were completely different and wrong, it took a long time to get help when we buzzed (luckily they weren't any emergencies), things were often forgotten or we were told wrong times for when things will be done, we were told cares would be very 4 hours (but this was rarely completed), there was also less optimal/hygienic technique with certain procedures and to top things off, we were given someone elses milk when we were discharged (See the image). Obviously, for confidentiality reasons I blacked out the name. Thankfully, my wife and I both work in the health care system, and we both knew what to do and looked after ourselves. We both hope that no one ever experiences what we went through and that the staff improve their values, procedures and care.

My hospital experience has been flawless from the beginning. The whole process from admission to going through surgery to paediatrics ICU and back to the ward has been carried out professionally and faultlessly from beginning to end. The Neurosurgeons, ENT, Paediatric, Infectious Diseases and all the wonderful nurses have worked tirelessly to make sure my son fully recovered from his infection. I can’t praise the hospital enough on its amazing service. Well done and I am forever grateful. Thanks Jane

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 ♥️

If you want to feel safe, respected and that you will recieve decent care, then don't go to this Emergency Department. The street from the car park to the ED is dark and deserted, the triage nurse was condescending and kept trying to put words int my mouth about my own pain to minimise it. The admin person was deadpan and complained that my doctor was not on their records at the same address I had for her. She kept looking at me like it was my mistake. The room seemed deliberately set up to get rid of people, the temperature was freezing cold, the television was so loud that people were having trouble hearing their name called. It also forced staff to yell names out, contributing to the excessive unreasonable amount of noise. Some poor baby was crying, clearly distressed, for half an hour (seemingly unattended) and three elderly people were left in cold uncomfortable seats that caused my body pain, so I hate to imagine their pain. And to top things off, the hand sanitiser was empty, so chances are if you touched anything, it would have germs on it. Just don't go there. Clearly they don't want you and you will be in more pain leaving than when you arrived.

The emergency staff and most of the nurses were fantastic. Once you reach the maximum subsidy they get from the commonwealth government regardless of how sick you are. You are moved to the ends of the hospital with no care or caring. I was told my private health insurance made no difference here and I should be in a private hospital. We wonder why our health system is so screwed up. This is a great indication why. I will be going private from now on. I know where my business is not wanted.

My friend was in hospital for 5 hours complaining she was unable to breathe due to a most likely respiratory infection. She got let into emergency pretty fast but then after getting a few blood tests and a cannula nothing else really happened. After the cannula, the doctor said she most likely had an infection, she asked them ‘what type of infection’ and he said ‘I don’t know, I’ve only known you for two minutes’. And then after waiting for a while, we asked another nurse if we could just get an update and she said ‘if we ask the doctors, that means they stop working’ and then opened our curtain and wouldn’t let us shut it because ‘she wouldn’t be able to see we were there’. Then after another hour we asked to leave and then the nice nurse that we liked said we could because they did all they could, when they could’ve told us that many hours ago. We still have no idea what is wrong with our friend #emo 😖

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.

You will probably die before you get your waitlist surgery appointment date, unless another hospital saves you out of your misery. Stay away from this hospital as there is absolutely no compassion here!!

This was my fourth time at this hospital for post-surgery exercise, today I had two other people's records on my file. The staff member that was assigned to me, was confused because of this. I was there for my back exercise, not my hip or knee. You can only blame the Qld health office staff for this. THANK GOD I WAS NOT HAVING A OPERATION. ANOTHER MISTAKE FROM QLD HEALTH

I had a hemorrhage type stroke in the ER room after being denied the usage of Ryan's Rule, staff is extremely rude and unprofessional. Since the stroke I have been refused triage and denied medical treatment every time I attempt to present to emergency with the Doctor's very rudely telling me they aren't going to treat me and to go home during my acute medical episode which included my brain actively hemorrhaging. Have only ever received treatment when the Police have done an EEA which involved the staff drugging with me high amounts of Morphine the first time and Fentanyl the second time making me unconscious for the EEA before releasing me outside which resulted in me getting hit by a car. Incredibly disgusting behavior by an abhorrent group of staff and pathetic excuses for Nurses and Doctors.

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.

Went to emergency department with possible fractured ankle. Staff was very rude and told me to go to primary care clinic. Was also referred to bending health imaging department for scans only to be told to go somewhere else and get it done after being referred to them. Extremely arrogant and rude receptionist.

Went there for a severe oil burn and had to wait more then 8 hours to get checked up. We were told we were second in line 3 people ended up going in before us. An hour and half went by to then get told we were first yet another 3 people went infront! it's outrageous how long you have to wait! And it's was also past 4 in the morning.

Waiting more than 1 hour for a doctors appointment should be illegal why can’t you just book people for a later time? And not waste peoples times for profit. Understand that it might be busy but that is because you overbook for a certain time.

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 🙂

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!

Really odd billing experience.... Started getting weird texts saying that I owe Cabrini $12.00 with no invoice or explanation. I hadn't been to Cabrini in over a year and I thought it was a scam. After a few more texts i call them and they say they did an internal audit from my procedure from the year before and that they under quoted me and under billed me then and expected me to pay now. I know it is only $12. But I found this really odd... isn't it their responsibility to make sure they are quoting the right price before the procedure and when payment is made? Anyway... just be careful because who knows who else this has happened too and for how much!? Just felt very unprofessional to chase up $12.00 without explaining a year later!

Went for a gastroscope and most of the nurses were amazing, doctors were too! Went there in the morning and unfortunately my partner couldn’t pick me up before 3.30 pm. One of the nurses (don’t remember her name) a bit older, was absolutely rude to me and over the phone with my partner and to me again when I told her that I was happy to wait in the waiting room in front of the desk after the procedure, and let someone else come in. She was very pushy in a bad way and need me gone before 3pm. Also, when I got notified for the procedure, few weeks prior the procedure, I completely forgot to reply back to a very stressful weeks of work and family situation.. got a phone call from the same rude lady and she pretended to know “why I didn’t reply to the message” .. Not sure why she had to act like that.. but I’m sure wasn’t the first time.

The staff here have been amazing. Wonderful nurses and staff. Highly recommend. The ambience and staff are positive and happy. Loved my experience here. Thank you 💜😀