Margy

Hi all.... I work in a recovery unit here in Aus and our policy is that if the patient is deemed to need ICU care post op ( either due to the type of surg,complics or previous med hx) they go straight to ICU and bypass us in the PACU REC. I feel that this is correct procdeure as if the pt needs intensive care they should be there for the duration of their stay. Staffing should reflect these needs,and be appropriate to take these pts. Cheers, Marg

Hi Karen... Im from Australia and many of our GP's run on the 'We'll call you if there is a problem'system.This practise is subject to error and I would be advising any patient to ring for results of all tests and when they do, should get their name and DOB verified and the result read to them over the phone. (This can only happen of course if the results are clear, if there is a problem this must be discussed face to face in the consulting room.) This ensures that a. You are GETTING a result and b. It is YOUR result. We had a recent case here where a woman had a breast bx and was told she would be rung if there was a need. She was 'missed' in the system and and as a result has 12 months to live at best. She is 32. The case went to court and she was awarded some 500,000 dollars, a paltry sum for loss of life. Doctors in my medical facility were dismissive of her case and hostile to her making a claim... can you believe it? Tea room talk was volatile and strained during the trial as it had huge ramifications for all medical staff. I hope this helps with your query. Marg

Hi everyone.. Im from Australia and I pay 105.00$ a month for income protection. Its very expensive here for nurses because statistically we cost money I guess... I wouldnt be without it tho.. Cheers