"Emergency experience"

I took my child to the Emergency Department after they suffered a serious fall on their buttocks during roller skating. My child was in severe pain, unable to walk or move properly, and our GP advised us to go straight to the ER. This was one of the worst experiences I have ever had. We waited for more than three hours while my child was suffering in extreme pain. I repeatedly asked for pain relief, but my requests were ignored, then after 2 hours my child had panadol and nurofen. Watching your child struggle and cry in pain while receiving no assistance is heartbreaking. 

What made the situation even worse was the attitude of one of the nurses. When I raised concerns about my child being left in pain, I felt they were rude, dismissive, and completely lacking in compassion. Patients who arrived after us with what appeared to be less urgent conditions were seen and discharged while my child continued to wait in agony.

The final shock came when we were leaving, as I decided to leave because nothing changed and my child was sitting in a wheelchair because they could barely move due to the pain, yet the nurse told us we could not take the wheelchair with us, despite my child clearly needing it to get out. The lack of empathy and basic human kindness was unbelievable. I believe healthcare professionals are expected to care for patients, especially children in severe pain. Unfortunately, I feel the treatment we received showed a complete lack of compassion, professionalism, and respect. No parent should have to watch their child suffer like this while being ignored.

I am extremely disappointed with the care we received and hope serious action is taken to improve the way patients and families are treated. An Emergency Department should provide timely care and ensure that patients in significant pain are not left waiting without support. I understand that hospitals can be busy and that staff shortages may exist, but this should not come at the expense of patient care and basic compassion.

I hope this feedback is taken seriously so that other families do not have to experience the same distress and frustration while seeking urgent medical attention for their children.