QUESTIONS have been raised over the operating practices of Griffith Base Hospital after a Leeton man with cancer was given what he called “the runaround”.
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Mr Owen has cancer in his leg and was required to see a doctor at the Griffith Base Hospital after diagnosis last week.
His doctor and practice in Leeton sent the referral via fax to the hospital, but when Mr Owen rang to book an appointment he was unable to as the paperwork had not been received.
It was faxed at least a further four times and, each time, the Griffith hospital was unable to locate it.
“It’s just not good enough,” Mr Owen said.
“In the end I contacted Ron Curran, who is in management at the hospital because I was so frustrated.
“He organised for me to go to the hospital that day (Monday) and see the doctor I was after.
“I went over and was told to wait and the doctor would see me. After three hours I still hadn’t been seen and was then told the doctor wasn’t there. I just thought it was disgraceful for someone to be treated that way.
“I understand they are busy, but I had my orthopaedic surgeon ringing me because she was so concerned and here I was in Griffith not getting anywhere.”
Mr Curran made further contact with the hospital, as well as Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli on the issue.
Mr Piccoli will be following up the matter.
Mr Owen said his orthopaedic surgeon had now organised an appointment for him in Narrandera to have his cancer cut out.
Griffith Health service general manager Doctor Liz Harford was apologetic about the situation.
“Griffith Base Hospital sincerely apologises to Mr Owen for the inconvenience and any distress caused,” she said.
“A senior member of staff has contacted Mr Owen to extend our apologies.
“Murrumbidgee Local Health District is keen to continue working with Mr Owen regarding his ongoing care and treatment.”
Mr Owen believed his care in Leeton and Wagga to be far superior than what he received in Griffith.
“I felt like a second-rate citizen and that I didn’t matter,” he said.
“It’s already a stressful time and I shouldn’t have to deal with all of that.
“It certainly wasn’t the fault of my Leeton doctor and the doctor surgery I go to. They did everything right.”