"Great experience in ED, Paediatric Ward & Ward 3C at PCH"

On July 1st, our five-month-old son became unwell very suddenly. We decided to take him to Bunbury Regional Hospital Emergency Department to be checked.

Like many parents, we worried we might be dismissed as “anxious first-time parents,” but from the moment we arrived, our concerns were taken seriously. We were quickly taken to a bed where nurses and a doctor began assessing him.

Soon after arriving, our son’s condition began to deteriorate. He was vomiting, refusing feeds, and his fontanelle began to bulge. He was restless, uncomfortable, and clearly in pain. The ED nurses and doctor were incredibly attentive, acting quickly to find answers. Tests were ordered promptly, and we were kept well informed every step of the way. As a precaution, they commenced IV fluids and antibiotics and admitted us to the paediatric ward.

The paediatrician later reviewed our son and suspected meningitis, explaining that a lumbar puncture would be required. As parents, we were terrified, but we felt confident and reassured knowing our baby was in capable hands. The following morning, bacterial meningitis was confirmed. As he required 21 days of IV antibiotics, he needed to be transferred to Perth Children’s Hospital for a PICC line insertion.

The St John Ambulance patient transfer team were incredible, both during the transfer to PCH and the return to Bunbury Hospital the following day. The entire process was smooth and professional, and they made us feel completely at ease during a very stressful time.

At Perth Children’s Hospital, we were met with another team of kind, compassionate, and attentive medical professionals. Our son’s PICC line procedure went smoothly, and we were able to return to Bunbury Regional Hospital the following day.

Throughout our three-week stay on the paediatric ward at Bunbury Regional Hospital, our son received exceptional care. The staff were calm, compassionate, and endlessly reassuring during every moment of fear and uncertainty.

The doctors, nurses, and support staff at Bunbury Regional Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital were nothing short of angels. Their care, kindness, and dedication carried us through some of the darkest days of our lives.

We are endlessly grateful to the medical professionals at St John Ambulance, Bunbury Regional Hospital, and Perth Children’s Hospital. Their swift action, expertise, and compassion truly saved our baby’s life.