Seems to be a common thing with a lot of people I have spoken with. Most of the women I have spoken to who went private, apart from the huge out of pocket expenses, have had very poor follow up. I guess it depends which hospital you go to as far as public goes. I had no issues at all (the hospital is a teaching hospital as well). I was able to select from four surgeons who operate both public and private. I had a private room, as did the other three ladies that were there for breast cancer surgery at the same time. There were two breast care nurses available that divided their time between the ward and outpatient clinics. Mine, came with me to every appointment. before and for two of the follow up apts. She also arranged for me to be accepted as a public patient in a private hospital so I was able to use their scalp cooler and I also did my radiation there as well. I could not have asked for any better treatment. Everyone from the breast care nurses, to the surgeon to the registrars, residents and nurses were all brilliant at both hospitals. The private hospital pharmacy even gave me my take home medications. Zero out of pockets.
