Office of the Health Ombudsman

My surgeon deliberately withheld information about the outcome of the operation prior to surgery. He made no clinic notes about what he was planning to do or what was discussed in terms of material risks or the actual outcome. He has never claimed that he gave me this information prior to surgery and his response was only that he “Discussed the operation” with me.nn“ I am unable to make any findings about the particular information Dr and other doctors at the PAH provided to you about the procedure you were to undergo. Nevertheless, I am satisfied that you independently signed a consent form stating you understood and accepted the risks of the procedure and were satisfied with the information you had received. I am also satisfied that you voluntarily elected to be treated as a public patient and acknowledged that you understood what your choice meant. I therefore consider the information before me supports that informed consent was obtained from you for Dr to perform the procedure that he performed and to treat you as a public patient”.nnPatient Safety and Quality Improvement Service, Queensland Healthnncompleting a consent form does not constitute the entire informed decision-making process.nnInformed consent means that a patient has received the information relevant to them to make an informed decision and they have given permission for the health care service to be provided.nnAs members of the team providing health care to a patient, each individual health practitioner is responsible for their own actions in relation to assisting patients make informed decisions and ensuring they act within the legislative requirements, defined scope of practice and professional codes of conduct.

I had a very constructive experience with this department. A delightful man called mark even did a follow up call to see the matter was resolved. I have never dealt with this department before so my first experience was wonderful ud83eudd17ud83cudf08ud83cudf08ud83cudf08ud83cudf08

The ombudsman himself has taken my dog and refuses to give it back. Under normal circumstances I would have rated 1 star, but there are several reasons why this is not the case. I added a star after hearing that he was actually taking very good care of my dog; plenty of food and water and regular exercise. The other star I added was because his desk was very tidy and polished, and I have to give respect to a healthy workplace environment. Still, I am unhappy with this abduction and will soon be contacting the ombudswoman (the ombudsman's wife) in the hopes of getting my dog back. I have attached a picture of my dog below.

I would give 0 stars if I could.nA complete waste of time, my complaint was clear, lots of evidence and thought it would be straight forward, the initial reply was condescending and totally off track, worst than talking to a politician, so I asked to speak to someone more superior.nShe rang me and initially sounded more professional, and proceeded to explain why her co-worker was correct not investigating, and why the issue with the medical practitioner was within the guidelines, I soon found out she hadn't even bothered to study my complaint, I had to explain everything to her a few times before she understood, again sidetracked the whole conversation, all while claiming she's out for the public's best interest and defending her colleagues decision before even knowing what the complaint was about!!

While giving the impression of knowing, and have the legal and medical understanding, and means to gather information from wealthy hospitals, protected by insurance , they won't and can't. Leaving one feeling less important as a citizen.