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"Six year old swallowing a coin"

About: Cowes Phillip Island Health Hub / Urgent Care Centre

(as a parent/guardian),

Recently my six year old child accidentally swallowed a one dollar coin. We presented at Phillip island urgent care (hub). Front desk was amazing. I told them what had just happened and we saw the nurse quit quickly. My child was very distressed so we got a room.

The nurse told my child they needed to calm down as it would hurt their throat.. this did help my child calm down. What felt like a long time we finally saw the doctor who was on. They just handed me a print out of the royal Children’s Hospital guidelines on swallowing object objects. Told us no need for an X-ray even if my child needed one no one would be able to do it today. Also said it will pass by itself . I found this doctor very dismissive. Later that night my child went to get a soft sausage and was in a lot of pain. We said it’s ok probably a little sore the doctor said not to worry.. 

We didn’t feel good about this next morning after a few long night. We went back to the hub saw another doctor Zafar who came out to ask why we were in today for. Told them and they said please go and get an X-ray right away. Which we did. By the time we had walked back the doctor had already called the Monash to look over the X-ray. Very informative and didn’t waste any time. The doctor told us they were waiting to hear back from the Monash and will let us know. 20mins later so fast they printed off paperwork and sent us to the Monash.. my child had to have the $1 coin removed surgically at the Monash.  I’m writing this letter to please don’t just dismiss things. We don’t have X-ray vision and to also thank doctor Zafar for his very thorough work. We are very grateful and lucky to have a doctor like him on Phillip island.. I would like to discuss this matter with someone. Thank you 

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Responses

Response from Kirsten Weinzierl, Director of Nursing, Phillip Island & San Remo, Bayside Health Regional 2 months ago
Kirsten Weinzierl
Director of Nursing, Phillip Island & San Remo,
Bayside Health Regional
Submitted on 6/07/2026 at 9:00 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 9:00 AM


picture of Kirsten Weinzierl

Dear brank85,

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. I am sorry that you and your child had this experience at our service.

I have discussed your concerns with our Chief Medical Officer, and we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about your experience. If you are willing, please feel free to contact me directly on 0436 642 975.

I would also like to acknowledge your positive comments about the nurse who cared for you during your visit and Dr Zafar, who saw your child the following day. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to them, and I am sure they will be very pleased to receive your kind recognition.

Kind regards

Kirsten Weinzierl

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