DASSA Outpatient Services - Whyalla

This hospital is basically a glorified medical centre that offers nothing

Job gets done staff good

My family has had the worst experience at this hospital one nurse in particular is absolutely awful she’s is rude not understanding and nasty

Even though I got a gut wog after my procedure I was enquired about not left just to defend myself yes this is a good hospital i would use it again The staff look after you well while there .

Thank you to the Out Patient/ Accident and Emergency staff for care and attention 26 th Feb

Very clean and nice

Went to the emergency room cos I have a pulled muscle in my back that’s been there for 6-7 days now and it has spread to my ribs and chest and they made me wait 3 hours in pain and I woman in a wheelchair wanted to use… the bathroom but can’t get out of the wheelchair so I ask the desk lady to help her she said sure disappeared for 2 minutes and then went back to her desk

The medical staff were excellent with their thoroughness was outstanding and I have a follow up with a specialist

The staff at day surgery are amazing, even going into theatre. I can't thank you all enough. Have a Safe and Merry Christmas

The most troubling element of the facility’s mental-health department is not merely its clinical shortcomings, but the behavioural culture that appears to have taken root among certain staff. What I observed, both… personally and through multiple consistent patterns, is an institutional environment where empathic engagement has eroded and been replaced by something far more concerning: a reflexive mistreatment of patients whose symptoms are deemed “inconvenient,” “excessive,” or “too complex.” Ironically, the traits often attributed to patients—emotional instability, hostility, manipulation, or lack of empathy—were mirrored most strongly not in those seeking help, but in those charged with providing it. When distressing emotions were expressed, staff responded not with clinical curiosity or compassion, but with a defensive rigidity that resembled the very interpersonal dysfunctions they so freely assign to others. In some cases, patients who were disliked, misunderstood, or simply required more time than the unit wished to allocate were swiftly labeled with personality-disorder diagnoses that carried the convenient effect of limiting or denying treatment. When a diagnosis becomes a tool of exclusion rather than understanding, it ceases to be a clinical instrument and becomes a mechanism of control. This misuse of psychiatric terminology—particularly the casual application of “Cluster B” categories—reflects a profound departure from ethical practice. A clinician’s role is to discern suffering, not to punish it. Yet the interpersonal style of certain staff conveyed a contradictory message: that emotional pain is a nuisance, that vulnerability is a failing, and that the patient who does not neatly fit into their preferred narrative must be pushed aside. The result is a system that appears less motivated by therapeutic values and more by the need to preserve the staff’s comfort, ego, and authority. It is not uncommon, in dysfunctional clinical environments, for staff to externalize their own unresolved frustrations onto patients. Where empathy should guide interactions, contempt takes its place; where collaboration is needed, coercion is substituted; where curiosity should be present, there is dismissal. These dynamics—hallmarked by defensiveness, lack of accountability, and emotional detachment—can create an atmosphere that feels, to the patient, indistinguishable from cruelty. This is not a matter of individual pathology, but of institutional culture. A culture in which stigma is normalized, where suffering is minimized, and where diagnostic labels are weaponized against those asking for help. In such a workplace, the system itself becomes the aggressor, and the patient becomes the casualty of its dysfunction. Patients deserve an environment where mental-health professionals embody the principles they claim to uphold: empathy, humility, insight, and a willingness to meet human suffering without judgment. When these virtues are absent, harm occurs—quietly, insidiously, and often under the guise of “policy” or “clinical judgment.” To speak this truth is not an act of hostility, but one of clarity. Accountability is the first step in restoring trust. Compassion is the first step in restoring care. And honesty is the first step in ensuring that vulnerable people are never again pushed aside to protect the comfort of those sworn to help them.

My recent attempt to seek medical care for severe groin and lower-abdominal pain left me profoundly disheartened. Despite the intensity and progression of my symptoms, I was discharged with the clear message—both spoken… and implied—that seeking further help from this hospital would be futile. The experience conveyed a sense that patients, regardless of age or severity of condition, are often encouraged to endure their suffering at home rather than receive thorough evaluation. I witnessed this pattern not only in my own treatment but also through others. An elderly individual I knew personally was sent home while battling an active infection—an outcome that could have had life-threatening consequences. Situations like these raise deeply concerning questions about how decisions are being made, and whether resource preservation outweighs patient welfare. During my visit, I sat for hours in significant discomfort, offered little more than a single dose of basic pain relief. There was no meaningful assessment, no clear plan, and no sense that my pain or fear was being taken seriously. I left still in agony, carrying not only the physical distress but a new reluctance to seek emergency help at all. It is a heavy, disempowering feeling when you begin to believe that calling an ambulance may simply lead to being dismissed once again. What stays with me most is not anger, but sadness—sadness that a place meant to provide care can leave people feeling invisible and unworthy of assistance. Yet telling these stories is an act of empowerment. It is a call for compassion, accountability, and change, so that no individual is left to suffer silently, and no patient feels abandoned in their most vulnerable moment.

We had to unfortunately have the cause to visit the Emergency Depr of the hospital today. Cant praise the staff we had contact enough, with they were fantastic. For visitors to your city thank you for the professional… and friendly service we received, it was greatly apprecisted

The mental health system in Whyalla demonstrates a deeply troubling pattern of discrimination, particularly against individuals with personality disorders. Rather than offering genuine care and support, many… professionals within this system appear more focused on control, compliance, and self-interest. Psychiatrists and psychologists at this facility often exhibit a lack of empathy, with some staff engaging in discriminatory or neglectful behavior. Those who attempt to challenge this culture frequently face professional retaliation or are pushed out altogether. Patients who do not conform to the expectations or decisions of these providers risk punitive measures, including involuntary containment, misinformation, and blocked access to external support. There is a disturbing tendency to prioritize institutional reputation and staff authority over patient wellbeing. Concerns are routinely dismissed, and events misrepresented to protect those in power. The emphasis seems less on healing and more on control, often under the guise of treatment that relies heavily on sedation rather than meaningful psychological support. This is not an isolated case of individual failure, but rather a systemic issue that reflects a culture of neglect, ego, and moral detachment. Individuals seeking compassionate, ethical mental health care should approach this service with extreme caution.

I am on holidays from Western Australia, and I ended up in the Whyalla Emergency Hospital with Cellulitis, and nurses and the doctors their did a wonderful job working on me and then I ended up in a beautiful private… room. All the nurses and the doctor were wonderful for my stay in the hospital. They should get a large pat on the back for a job well done. And the meals were A1, they were beautiful and I enjoyed all the meals that was served to me and the cleaners always had time for people who were lonely as they were just wonderful and they all need a big pat on the back and instead of rating them 5 Stars, I will rate them all 100 Stars.

Honestly, The Psychiatric unit here is incredible. The biggest change to my mental health was being in an inpatient unit that really values helping those struggling with mental health to get better. Previously, I always… felt like doctors, psychologists & support workers in Adelaide didn’t show genuine empathy about my struggles & that I was dismissed as just a teenager with issues. The Whyalla psychiatric unit is amazing, I felt valued & was treated like I mattered & was respected. At that point, I’d been to a few in Adelaide that were nothing compared to them. Well worth the 6 hours of travel. 5 years into my recovery from depression, anxiety & anorexia and on the 27th of March, I'll be 5 YEARS self-harm free. ❤️ Edit 17/8/2025: I surpassed 10 years self-harm free in March of this year!

Absolutely stand out care for my mother who was palliative. She was cared for with such kindness until her final breath. Eternally grateful especially to Renee and Jacqui . Amazing nurses , every single one of them.… Mums angels to the end ❤️

Emergency department was quick to see my mother. Nurses beautiful and an amazing fantastic dr on site. However once you are admitted everything goes down from there. Nurses that should not be there. Have no interest in… patient care at all. Why be a nurse? You’ve been there too long? Change your career then. Peoples lives are in your hands and you don’t want to care for patients? My mother was sat in her soiled bed for hours. Only to be changed once I arrived and demanded the bed be changed. This happened on more than a couple of occasions. Nurses that can’t even put an IV hose clipped together. Not once. Multiple times. Leaking all over the bed. And then when you push the call button to let them know. They roll their eyes and act like you are an inconvenience. If you have the opportunity to choose your hospital do not choose this hospital. I have never been so disgusted in every aspect of it. Including the doctor on call. Oh yes. This particular time was over the holiday break so drs and nurses really had no time for their patients at all. The only kiosk for food and drink. Closed the whole week. Because of a couple of public holidays at both ends of the week. This place needs a complete overhaul. It’s absolutely appalling. The care or lack of care for my mother was an absolute disgrace. This review will no doubt do nothing to change it. However if I can get one person to make the decision to go to Adelaide and get proper treatment and care then it’s something positive I have done.

I landed on my wrist at 9 pm and came rushing to emergency they looked at it and ofc it was broken 😭 I was there till 11:30 but all the doctors where away but 1 and I needed to for my wrist to go back in place, it was a… Saturday night so Fair haha came back Sunday at 9 and buy 11 I was put back together only one thing I haddednt turned my wrist enough for my eray so I had to do it twice and had to wait till 2:15 but I'm happy it's getting better

Whyalla Hospital some would say its just a country hospital is a wonderful hospital full of friendly staff and practitioners. On my recent there I was treated with respect and care at all times and PLEASANTLY to my… surprise when offered a shower WAS actually given a shower unlike the new R.A.H where apparently you sit on a chair with a flannel run water and wash (no soap) glad I was given a flannel actually. No such problem with Whyalla Hospital. A pleasure to stay in well aswell as a stay in hospital can be pleasant when unwell

Experience with Gynaecologist

25/9/23 Went in for day surgery (knee arthroscopy) from the moment I walked through the door I was so well looked after. Especially Lisa who did my pre surgery admission paperwork, so helpful and kind, such an asset to… the team. All the other staff were also very kind and understanding during a stressful time was very appreciated. Well done to all the team. A big thank you!

worst hospital l, waited almost 6 hours and still didn’t get seen to. ended up leaving

I had a total knee replacement, in Hospital for 5 days. All the staff were friendly and very helpful AND remembered my name. It was lovely having a room to myself as I am a terrible sleeper.

The care and professionalism shown to my husband in emergency yesterday was second to none,will never be able to thank you enough we are so greatful to have such a wonderful emergency department in Whyalla with… wonderful staff THANK YOU !

My husband went into Emergency department after getting bad chest pain, had to wait nearly 4 hours to get results of blood test, even though there was no diagnosis. He was given aspirin and a chest X-ray. The staff even… got the residential address postcode wrong. Also lack of communication.

Good Hospital Services,Good Large Facility,Good Accessibility to Patient Services.