171 W10 What's your experience been like when navigating healthcare by Jenny Green

Tonsil trouble

christina_searle — 2026-05-06 07:29:35 UTC

I found it a bit confusing around specialists who work at the public hospital and in private hospitals too. We had some appointments at the public hospital as it was his clinic days, some at a private rooms and then surgery and post op stay at private hospital as it was under health insurance. It made the whole experience much more stressful trying to navigate the system and no one to really ask for help. He did not have his own set of nurses who could communicate with patients and instead was reliant on the teams in the different settings who we only met once.

Supporting a family member.

akuakua143 — 2026-05-06 20:46:42 UTC

I recently acted as a support system for a family member who had had surgery and was recovering. The most impactful aspect was the communication style of the nursing staff who didn't just treat my family member with care but acknowledged me as a partner in care by taking the time to explain their plan to me and asking if i had any questions.

Chicken Pox Dilemma

adatgeoff — 2026-05-07 10:48:32 UTC

This is my experience as a support system for a child who developed an unusual skin outbreak, which led us to the medical center. The healthcare professional concluded it was chickenpox without carrying out any form of testing. We were given antihistamines and calamine lotion, which provided no relief. The symptoms continued for three months, including boils, intense itching, and some lesions developing into open wounds.

We kept returning to the medical center, and three different healthcare professionals all insisted it was chickenpox, again without any tests being done. This was a traumatic experience for my whānau, as we were unable to sleep properly at night due to the discomfort and distress.

Eventually, the fourth GP we saw was disappointed with the previous assessments. After examining the condition, he immediately referred us to a pediatrician and treated the case as urgent, arranging a prompt appointment. At that point, we finally felt seen, heard, and valued.

This experience made me realize that just one healthcare professional can either make or break a person’s experience in a healthcare facility. A single interaction can turn care into either a supportive experience or a distressing ordeal for a whānau.

Knee Injury

gracesibley3 — 2026-05-07 23:43:34 UTC

A couple of years ago, I injured my knee, which required surgery to fix. Overall, this experience was very positive for me, as I was fortunate to receive care and referrals quickly. Throughout the process, the nurses and doctors were very helpful in explaining what was going on and why, and in answering any questions I had. When I was in the hospital for my surgery, my parents were unable to stay with me; however, the nurses did an amazing job of making sure I had everything I needed, maintained my pain levels, and overall, despite the circumstances, made the experience of my injury and being in the hospital very positive.

Phone call

lillyterrey — 2026-05-08 04:56:14 UTC

Recently I had a phone call with a nurse at a GP clinic to discuss a reaction to a new face cream I used. I was spectacle how well a phone call would go as I had never experienced a consultation over the phone, but the health care provider I talked to was the nicest most caring nurse who truly listened to my symptoms and then came up with a resolution that best fitted me. Over all the delivery of care I received was exceptional.

GP & Mental Health

chaielizabethh — 2026-05-08 23:23:53 UTC

I had a positive experience seeking mental health support through my GP in recent times. My old GP wasn't as understanding about mental health issues, where I felt dismissed and not listened to, so I initially felt hesitant to make the appointment. Thankfully my current GP was very supportive, validated and listened to my concerns, and gave me the support I needed and the tools to help me going forward.

Stitches

emilycammo27 — 2026-05-11 01:19:24 UTC

I have had good healthcare experiences, particularly when getting stitches - I was talked through what was going to happen, how long they would be in for, and treated with kindness. When getting them removed I was looked after when I started to feel queasy and was given resources to help care for the area.

My local GP

aleciasos21 — 2026-05-11 02:34:21 UTC

My home GP is a lovely lady and a lovely doctor! She’s incredibly proactive and asks me open ended questions about any other health concerns I might have too. She makes it very clear that she’d like to work towards upholding and promoting good health for me rather than only treating me when I’m sick. She encourages and inspires me to be proactive about my health!

My Experiences with GP

sheemals170 — 2026-05-11 05:23:29 UTC

My experiences navigating healthcare have included both negative and positive interactions with GPs, particularly when seeking help for a skin-related health concern. During my first appointment, I explained my symptoms in detail and shared what I believed may have caused the issue. The GP appeared unsure about the appropriate treatment plan and asked another GP for a second opinion. However, the second GP made a diagnosis after only briefly looking at my skin and did not take the time to properly listen to my explanation or concerns. When they described the symptoms associated with their diagnosis, I explained that I was not experiencing any of them and did not feel the diagnosis was accurate. Despite this, my concerns were dismissed and I was prescribed treatment based on their assumption. Although the GP explained how the prescribed medications would work and arranged a follow-up appointment three months later, I left feeling unheard and as though my perspective had not been taken seriously.

At my follow-up appointment, I saw a different GP who had a much more patient-centred approach. After conducting a thorough assessment and listening carefully to my experiences, they explained that the previous diagnosis did not align with my symptoms and that the prescribed treatment had not been appropriate for my condition. Hearing this was frustrating and disappointing, especially knowing that I had spent three months using medication I did not need while also dealing with unpleasant side effects. At the same time, this appointment was also validating because it was the first time I felt genuinely listened to and supported. The GP took the time to understand my concerns and worked collaboratively with me to reach a diagnosis that felt accurate and appropriate. This experience highlighted for me how important communication, empathy, and active listening are within healthcare, and how significantly they can impact a patient’s trust and wellbeing

My Healthcare Experience

xys1702 — 2026-05-12 04:17:55 UTC

One significant experience I had with the healthcare system was when I accompanied a close family member to hospital for an unplanned admission. Navigating the system at that time felt overwhelming, particularly because everything happened quickly and we were unfamiliar with hospital processes.

The healthcare personnel we encountered played a major role in shaping the experience. The nursing staff were generally approachable and compassionate, taking time to explain what was happening and checking in regularly. This helped reduce stress during an uncertain situation. However, communication from different teams was sometimes inconsistent, and we occasionally received conflicting information, which made decision‑making more difficult.

Receiving Healthcare.

srthutch — 2026-05-12 09:10:58 UTC

Overall, Good, bordering on great! Don't get me wrong. In my experience deep diving into the mental health treatment provision sector I could definitely see the stress that was being caused by the lack of resourcing. But the actual efforts received relative to this, by each individual providing the care was exemplary. I mean, try asking for a engine overhaul from a mechanic that only has a Swiss army knife and in return receiving a car that will get you back home with a list of whats probably going to go wrong and how to fix it and you'd appreciate that the front line staff are basically magicians. So, in relation to the H.C. sector it's not the tools that are provided, not who provides them, and not why they do it, it's who we as the recipients are voting for to give these people the correct resources that is personally creating any animosity felt about health care provision in this country.

jamesmlinshu — 2026-05-12 11:10:59 UTC

I had a positive experience when I went to Massey University health counselling for my vaccination. During my appointment, I met two nurses who were friendly and easy to talk to. They explained the vaccine clearly, asked for my consent before giving the injection, and even checked in about my studies. Their approach made me feel comfortable and respected. As a student nurse, this showed me how simple actions like clear communication and kindness can really impact patient care. It was a valuable lesson for my future practice.

Hospital experience

summersheridan8 — 2026-05-12 22:53:39 UTC

I’ve had a lot of experience with my local hospital due to injuries and a lifelong medical condition. Last year, I suffered a knee injury that required surgery and a week-long hospital stay. One of my first negative experiences occurred when I was transferred to the orthopaedic ward. I was initially placed in a shared room, even though my medical condition requires me to have a private room to reduce the risk of infection. After my mum spoke to the nurses, I was moved to a private room, which was a relief. However, shortly after, I was told I would be moved again and was about to be placed back into a shared room. We had to explain once more that I couldn’t be in a shared space due to my condition. This was particularly frustrating because I was already in a lot of pain, and having to advocate for my own health in that moment was really difficult. Although, despite being in significant pain etc, the nurses were all very supportive and ensured that I was comfortable during my stay.

Misdiagnosis

annabelstace — 2026-05-16 09:34:53 UTC

I had a negative experience at the GP/Hospital. was unwell for a while and went back and forth to the doctors for different reasons. I visited a paediatric nurse practitioner and I was told my illness was due to anxiety however deep down I knew something else was wrong. I went back and forth trying to get to the bottom of why I was feeling the way I was. Finally got referred to a surgeon and underwent a gasotromy and was given a diagnosis. GP & surgeon were helpful and navigated me through the start of my health journey. It just took a long time and had my symptoms brushed off as something I "could control"

My Experience with GP

lebithomas76 — 2026-05-16 23:53:08 UTC

I once had a skin problem and went to the GP for help. The first GP seemed rushed and couldn't diagnose it nicely, which left me feeling uncertain and a bit brushed off. However, I didn’t know what was wrong or how to control it. I later noticed another GP, and the joy in becoming quite unique. She took her time to concentrate, carefully examined me and prescribed the right antibiotics. My skin advanced quickly. This confirmed to me how being heard, supported, and clearly cared for can shape someone’s joy in healthcare.

GP experience

aliloaymefleh — 2026-05-17 03:50:15 UTC

I have always struggled getting a sufficient treatment from GP growing up especially with nail fungal infection issues. I've had to see the GP multiples of times throughout the years due to my nail infection which they had always seemed understate the conditions of my integumentary system. This lead to me giving up due to me never getting a proper solution. But recently I've been seeing doctors, they've have been pretty helpful with giving accurate answers which has been a huge change with my experiences.

mackenziesampson06 — 2026-05-18 03:36:36 UTC

Having a family member recently diagnosed with dementia has helped shaped how my family and myself navigates the healthcare world. My grandmother with dementia lives far away and so most of our contact with the doctors, and dementia workers has been over the phone. It has been a very confronting and confusign time for my fmaily, and at times we have struggled to understand the condition especially with limited contact. The nurses and support workers have been the most supportive people for my family anf my grandmother. They frequently call letting us know her condition and progress and updates aswell as helping answer any questions we have about her life with dementia. The knowledge and care that the helath care workers have shown is inspiring and I hope that I can develop my skills to that level of healthcare excellence

Hospital Visit

anaupare — 2026-05-18 03:40:43 UTC

A healthcare experience I remember was when my younger brother was admitted to hospital with periorbital cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection around the eye. We were both pretty young at the time, and I mostly supported him by just being there with him while he recovered. I would sit and lie in the hospital bed with him, watch TV with him, and keep him company so he did not feel alone or scared. I remember the hospital actually being alright because he had a TV in his room and the food was pretty good too, he wouldn't share his food with me tho.

From what I remember, the nurses and healthcare staff were kind and made sure he was comfortable while recovering. Even though hospitals can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar, especially when you are young, having support from family made the experience easier for both of us. This experience helped me realise how important emotional support and simply being present can be for patients during their recovery.

laurenkingnz — 2026-05-19 22:04:58 UTC

A healthcare experience I remember is when my dad was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. He had previously has a surgery to care for his diabetes and was diagnosed a few weeks later. I found navigating this healthcare experience difficult as I was unsure how to help him in the best way possible but as time went on my family and I found out how to help him manage this pain

My Healthcrae Experience in my homeland.

torresmicaela10 — 2026-05-21 10:51:25 UTC

A healthcare experience I had that has been memorable for me would be the first time I visited a hospital and not just as a clinic. Growing up in the rural countryside in a developing country, it was rare and very occasional for us to visit a hospital like Wellington Hospital. I remember being amazed by everything inside it, the people, the healthcare workers, the interior, and most importantly, I was moved by the e empathy, expertise, and life-changing impact healthcare workers provide.