Text size

Theme

Language

"Paediatric broken nose"

About: Bunbury Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

My child broke their nose. I contacted my GP and was instructed to attend the local ED for assessment and referral. After waiting 4.5 hours we had a 3 minute review, I asked for an ENT referral to be completed to assess for damage once the swelling had subsided, and being a paed I had been instructed by my GP to get one. I was told a referral wasn't needed as the nose was fine and just to use ice and Panadol. 

10 days later I took my child to the GP after loud breathing and the swelling/ bruising was not subsiding, I asked for an ENT referral and one was sent that day. First thing the next morning we were contacted by Perth ENT to attend that day for an appointment and due to the internal damage, and the time frame since the accident, surgery was booked for the following morning.

The ENT was confused why we had not been referred at ED presentation, as the fracture correction should have been completed within 7-10 days from accident, so to make room for our surgery, another patient had to be "bumped" as it had been 11 days and the bone was healing. I just wanted to encourage some paediatric ENT education so that no one is missed. Had I not taken my child to the GP then we would have required much more extensive surgery at a later date. 

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Stephen Hartwig, Director of Emergency Medicine, Bunbury Hospital, WACHS South West 2 weeks ago
Stephen Hartwig
Director of Emergency Medicine, Bunbury Hospital,
WACHS South West

Lead the team of Emergency Medicine doctors.

Submitted on 22/05/2025 at 11:22 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 11:40 AM


Dear Parent4,

I am very sorry that this was not sorted out on your visit to our Emergency Department.

In order for me to have a look at your child's care, and speak to you in person, I'd be grateful if you could contact swfeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Regards

Steve

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k