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PCH and lack of facilities for 10month old

Posted By februarysm85

"PCH and lack of facilities for 10month old"

About: Perth Children's Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

We presented to ED following 6 days of high fevers. Our GP sent us. 

Feedback from ED - we were there for 10 hours, it seemed fairly quiet. It was a hard place to manage a sick baby. There was no offer of cots or any facilities to put our baby down. No offer of food or drink to either of us. We were constantly interrupted while trying to rest, some of which I can understand, but some of it for the nurse to say ‘hi buddy’ seemed unreasonable. It was hard and disappointing at times.

At 3am we were given a bed, admitted to ward. We got the lovely paperwork and obs. Again an apparent lack of respect for respect of mum and baby. At this time atleast we had two resting places, separate for both of us to sleep.

We have currently been in for 48 hours. No offer of high chair to feed our baby, no where for them to crawl - a play mat would have been nice, for on the ground. I’m just surprised this is a children’s hospital with an apparent lack of equipment being offered to families to feed and play. 

Currently the potential of discharge seems possible, however still waiting, over 3 hours since this was discussed. Can there be more assistance to teams so that the can Discharge families quicker?

Additionally my little baby had two very difficult and traumatic blood draws in ED and 2a. Yet the phlebotomist came today and successfully and quickly managed without the trauma, it would be great if this team was available for any blood draws during normal 8-4pm hours, for the sake of children. 

 Hoping this feedback helps improves the experience for families. 

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Responses

Response from Tony Dolan, Executive Director PCH and Neonatology, Perth Children’s Hospital 2 weeks ago
Tony Dolan
Executive Director PCH and Neonatology,
Perth Children’s Hospital

Submitted on 5/02/2026 at 1:10 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 6/02/2026 at 1:42 PM

picture of Tony Dolan

Dear februarysm85

Thank you for sharing this feedback. I am sorry that parts of your experience did not reflect the compassionate, family‑centred care we strive to provide. Your comments are important and help us identify where improvements are needed.

I understand how difficult a long wait in the Emergency Department (ED) with an unwell baby can be and I am sorry the environment and communication added to that stress. While the ED is designed for clinical assessment, we recognise the need to better support families with information about available ED facilities and equipment.

On the ward, I appreciate your concerns about feeding and play options. Highchairs are available on request, and although we don’t provide communal play mats as an infection‑prevention control strategy, staff can supply an alternative for supervised floor play. I apologise that this may not have been communicated to you.

Admission paperwork and overnight processes are essential for safe care; however, I appreciate how challenging this can feel to parents and caregivers. I also understand delays in discharge can be frustrating, and while staff work hard to progress these promptly, the process relies on multiple clinical steps that can take time.

Obtaining blood from unwell infants can be difficult, though I’m glad the later procedure with the phlebotomy team was smoother. We will continue to explore avenues with the phlebotomy team for approaches that reduce distress for children where possible.

Thank you again for your thoughtful feedback. Should you have any further concerns or queries, I encourage you to contact the Child and Family Liaison Service by phone on 6456 0032 or email CAHSFeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

I hope your child is well on the way to recovery.

Warm regards

Tony

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