Part 8: Advocating for the patient
7 out of 7Further steps: If the patient's needs still aren't being met
i
Click + if you would like to find out more about what to do if a patient’s needs aren’t being met
- If, after using the tips discussed in this section, you continue to feel that the patient’s needs are being ignored, you can try the following:
- Repeat your concerns to the clinician, noting that you are very concerned about the patient and the issues they are experiencing
- Ask to speak with a senior member of staff, such as the Nursing Unit Manager or Staff Specialist.
- Ask for a second opinion with another clinician
- If the patient’s needs still aren’t being met, you can request to speak to a patient liaison officer or patient advocate within your local health area.
- Most hospitals have a patient liaison officer. You may need to phone the hospital switchboard and ask to speak to the “patient liaison or advocacy officer”. Their role is to provide patients and family carers with information and advice on their rights, listen to feedback, investigate concerns and resolve complaints.
- If your loved one is being treated in a hospital, and you feel the situation is critical, you can request a rapid clinical review/evaluation by an emergency response team. The procedure for requesting a clinical review varies by state/territory and between hospitals. Click on your state or territory below to read more.
OVERALL COMPLETION
