Melbourne woman faces life-threatening problem due to surgery delays

A Melbourne woman who had a successful kidney and pancreas transplant is now facing a life-threatening situation because of surgery delays in Victorian hospitals.

Kate Hansen suffered an infection in her toe from diabetes and was required to have weekly treatment at The Alfred hospital to manage the issue.

She then contracted COVID.

She was forced to isolate and couldn’t get treatment.

Gangrene developed.

Kate is considered a category one emergency case, but her mother told Neil Mitchell she wouldn’t be admitted until Tuesday, despite needing urgent surgery.

“There is a real chance this could go septic, at any minute,” she said.

She said you could “smell rotting flesh” on Kate’s foot.

Press PLAY below to hear the awful situation

The Alfred provided 3AW with the following statement:

“We understand the concern and emotion that any patient experiences waiting for surgery, and we are doing our best to support all our patients at this challenging time.”

“Emergency surgery is proceeding at The Alfred without restriction, and all Category 1 elective surgery patients are being treated within clinically recommended times.

“It is a unique period as we care for more acutely unwell patients coming through our emergency department, and needing admission to hospital, than ever before. We continue to care for inpatients with COVID, and are navigating ongoing staff absences caused by the pandemic.”

Picture: Getty iStock