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Unprofessional treatment at the emergency department

Posted By hawkfb36

"Unprofessional treatment at the emergency department"

About: Peel Health Campus / Emergency Department

(as the patient),

Had to go to the Peel Campus Emergency department while driving up to perth as I had a sudden severe allergic reaction on the freeway. After asking what was wrong I told the greeting nurse or whatever they were at the entrance and they made a comment that I was probably on Magic mushrooms pointing to the mushroom print on my leggings.

The main nurse that treated me I felt was rude, took no notice of the discomfort I was having of them exposing my breasts putting EKG leads on me and got angry at me trying to cover myself.

The doctor that I saw asked what drugs I'm on and when I started to list my medications they said no Drugs not medicines. They then put an IV in and left, I then was given 2 inhalers and a spacer and even though I explained I have had asthma for 40 years and knew how to use one, I felt they were condescending and treated me like a child.

I then realised the Dr had left the tourniquet on my arm when he put the IV in as my arm was dark blue and It had started to hurt. I managed to flag down the nurse who quickly took it off and looked horrified and apologized profusely, which was the first slither of humanity I saw in them the entire time.

The Dr tried to blame me for not feeling it on my arm and half ass apologized. I asked them to remove the IV immediately so I could get the hell out of there. At no point was I asked any medical history other than if I was allergic to anything, they never asked what medications I was on even when I asked if they needed to know and never asked for my medicare card so I know they didn't look at my health record.

I could see they had a lot of people with addiction and mental health problems flooding the ER but I feel that is no excuse for such unprofessional behavior. 

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Responses

Response from Kellie Blyth, Executive Director, Peel Health Campus, South Metropolitan Health Service last week
Kellie Blyth
Executive Director, Peel Health Campus,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 30/06/2026 at 6:16 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 1/07/2026 at 10:37 AM

picture of Kellie Blyth

Dear hawkfb36,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience regarding your recent visit to Peel Health Campus Emergency Department. We are very sorry to hear about the distressing experience you described, particularly at a time when you were seeking urgent care for a severe allergic reaction.

We sincerely apologise that you felt disrespected, unheard, and uncomfortable during your treatment. The comments made about your clothing, the way you were spoken to, and the way your care was delivered do not reflect the standard of professionalism, respect, and compassion that we expect from our staff. We also acknowledge your concern regarding dignity and privacy during the application of monitoring equipment, and we are sorry that you felt exposed and unsupported in that moment.

We are concerned to hear about the tourniquet being left on your arm following the insertion of the IV line. This should not occur, and we apologise for the distress and potential harm this caused. While we are glad that a staff member responded promptly when alerted, we recognise that this situation should have been prevented.

It is also concerning that you felt dismissed when discussing your medications and that your medical history was not fully explored. Patients should feel listened to, respected, and always involved in their care. We regret that your interactions left you feeling judged and treated in a condescending manner.

We understand your observation about the pressures within the Emergency Department; however, this does not excuse the behaviour you experienced. Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and professionalism, regardless of the circumstances.

Please be assured that your feedback is being taken very seriously and will be reviewed with the Emergency Department team. We will address the concerns you have raised, including communication, respect for patient dignity, and adherence to clinical procedures, to ensure improvements are made.

Once again, we sincerely apologise for your experience and thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.

Kind regards,

Kellie Blyth
Executive Director
Peel Health Campus

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