August 15th 2024.
According to 9News, an elderly woman in her 90s had to endure a lengthy wait at Gold Coast Hospital to have a knife removed from her back due to a disagreement between staff members. She arrived at the hospital at 12:05am today, with the knife lodged in the left side of her lower back.
The hospital's records indicate that a surgical consultant was consulted about the situation and recommended that the emergency department remove the knife. However, due to the patient's complex condition and the already overcrowded emergency department, the staff were unable to carry out the procedure. Instead, they decided to leave the knife in until the morning surgical ward round, with a nurse assigned to closely monitor the patient to ensure her safety.
The notes also mention that the patient was unable to use the restroom and was in severe pain, causing distress as she knew the knife would not be removed for at least five hours. After a four-hour wait, the woman finally underwent surgery, according to Queensland Health.
Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Health Service stated that they had limited theatre availability overnight and prioritized life-threatening cases. This comes as the same health service is currently investigating the treatment of women with breast cancer, with concerns being raised about the care provided to some patients, including those who have tragically passed away.
Sources within Queensland Health have disclosed to 9News that the review includes cases where there were issues with the care provided, but the hospital has reassured that no patients will need to be recalled. However, they have declined to comment further, citing patient confidentiality.
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