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ER Sends Woman Home, Later Needs Spine Surgery
18 Jan
Summary
- Woman sent home from ER, later needed surgery for bone spurs.
- Patient alleges mistreatment and delayed care for severe pain.
- Hospital disputes claims, stating care was appropriate.
Amanda Young of Queensland, Australia, experienced escalating back pain in March 2023 and was taken to Townsville University Hospital. She reported receiving pain medication and being discharged, only to return hours later in extreme agony. Young alleges she was dismissed by staff and denied basic care, including a bedpan, before eventually being given a hospital bed.
Seeking further intervention, Young invoked Ryan's Rule, a patient's right to an urgent review of care in Queensland. Following this, she received appropriate medication and was informed of impending surgery. The surgery, performed the following year, removed significant bone spurs from her spine. Young believes the delay in treatment resulted in permanent nerve damage.
Townsville Hospital and Health Service stated that investigations found Young's concerns were not ignored and the care provided was appropriate. They noted that the Office of the Health Ombudsman concluded in January 2025 that the complaint was managed appropriately. The hospital maintains that Young was clinically assessed and managed appropriately on each emergency department visit.
