BARELLAN'S Ron Dahl is fed up with the health system following his last two visits to hospital.
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Mr Dahl says after two visits to Griffith Base and Wagga Base hospitals, he was left without transport back to his home on both occasions after arriving there via ambulance.
While Mr Dahl couldn't fault the treatment he received on both occasions, he did take issue with what happened when it came time to be discharged.
"Both times I was given no warning that I was going to be discharged ... that left me stranded without a way of getting home to Barellan," he said.
"In Griffith I think it was the middle of the week and at 6pm at night. What did they expect me to do?
"I think there needs to be a system in place where patients can be given more notice. I had no way of getting home. I'm sure I'm not the only one this has happened to."
Mr Dahl had to rely on his friend Dick Cullen, also from Barellan, to pick him up on both occasions.
"That's not really fair on him either," Mr Dahl said.
While Mr Dahl made his opinions on the matter known, particularly when he was told he was being discharged from Wagga Base, it is believed he hasn't lodged a formal complaint with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
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MLHD addressed the issue in a statement.
"MLHD makes every effort to work with patients and their family and carers to ensure patients feel supported and are clear on the plans around their discharge," the statement said.
"Our doctors, nurses, allied health and pharmacy staff all work together to co-ordinate patient discharge including patient transport, medications, follow-up appointments, equipment aids for at home and mobility, home visits, information on self-care, and home care, all based on their clinical needs.
"Hospital teams also work with the patient, patient transport and community transport teams to co-ordinate the journey home.
"Any patients who have concerns about their care in hospital or transport after discharge are encouraged to talk to the nurse in charge of the ward or the hospital manager who is able to make arrangements on their behalf to ensure they arrive home safely."
Mr Dahl said regional patients shouldn't need to suffer, especially when already perhaps not feeling the best as a result of health issues.
"There should be some sort of clear communication ... all of a sudden you're thrown out on the street," he said.
"We shouldn't have to suffer just because we live in a rural area."
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