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Emergency Care Experience During Pregnancy

Posted By Azuuka

"Emergency Care Experience During Pregnancy"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

I slipped at home and dislocated my arm. I’m currently 14 weeks pregnant and was in extreme pain, so my husband took me to Royal Perth Hospital. I felt like I was going to pass out, so my sibling-in-law ran into the Emergency Department to ask for a wheelchair while my husband tried to support me.

Unfortunately, a person wearing a t-shirt with a sticky note that said “Volunteer” was, I believe, extremely rude to my sibling-in-law and I understand they said, It’s her goddamn hand, she can walk. We were shocked and deeply hurt by their apparent lack of compassion in such a distressing moment.

However, aside from that one volunteer, every single staff member we saw in the Emergency Department was incredibly kind and professional. The nurse in Triage 2 was exceptionally sweet, and the doctors and nurses who treated me showed great care, especially considering my pregnancy. Dr. Derek, who fixed my arm, and the amazing nurses who administered pain relief and addressed all my concerns about my unborn baby, deserve special thanks.

I’m truly grateful for the exceptional care I received. Thank you to everyone who helped me through such a painful and frightening experience.

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Responses

Response from Ben Noteboom, Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 4 days ago
Ben Noteboom
Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group

Submitted on 27/06/2025 at 5:20 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 30/06/2025 at 9:59 AM

picture of Ben Noteboom

Dear Azuuka

Thank you for taking the time to share both your concerns and your kind reflections. I was very sorry to hear that your family member had a negative encounter with one of our volunteers. Please accept my sincere apologies for any distress this may have caused. Providing safe, respectful, and high-quality care is our highest priority, and I regret that this was not reflected in every aspect of your visit.

We take concerns like this very seriously, as such behaviour is completely inconsistent with our values and expectations. We are firmly committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all patients and their loved ones. I will ensure that your feedback is brought to the attention of the appropriate senior staff for further review.

At the same time, I want to thank you for your kind words about the compassion and professionalism shown by our Emergency Department (ED) staff. It’s incredibly uplifting to hear that, despite the circumstances, you felt genuinely cared for and supported, particularly during what must have been a challenging time in your pregnancy. I'm so pleased to know that the team in Triage 2, Dr. Derek, and the rest of our ED staff made a meaningful difference. Your appreciation will be passed on, and I know it will mean a great deal to them.

Wishing you continued strength and healing on your journey. We’re truly grateful for your feedback and your trust in our care.

Kind Regards

Ben Noteboom

Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group

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