Recently we brought our baby to emergency at 11pm after our 9 month old experienced breathing difficulties. Once we had been seen at triage we waited in the waiting area for an hour and a half. My baby had no obs done after an initial pulse rate and oxygen check. At around 12.30 we were taken into the emergency area and given a bed. After another hour a nurse did another basic obs. Pulse/blood pressure. At no time was our baby checked for a rash or even had their temperature taken.
We didn’t see a doctor until just after 3. By that stage our baby was very upset as they were extremely over tired. Our baby was then checked for a rash and had their throat looked at. The doctor couldn’t hear our baby's chest properly as our they were screaming.
The doctor said she needed to get another doctor to check our baby. A nurse was sent back with panadol. Another 45 minutes passed before the other doctor came.
It was then 4am in the morning. Our baby was given a steroid and we were given a script for antibiotics. The doctor informed us to come back if we needed to. We were given no information about follow up care. No information was provided about reactions to steroids.
In the 5 hours we were there my baby had one set of obs done. To my understanding even if our baby was given a 4 in triage, due to their age they must be seen within 2 hours.
The nurses and doctors did not seem to be busy as they were eating and laughing in the office.
During our time there another mother with 2 small children left after a 4 hour wait.
I find this unacceptable time management.
I understand if the department is busy and other patients require immediate care but a 5 hour wait for a 9month old is not appropriate.
"Emergency Department"
About: Bunbury Hospital Bunbury Hospital Bunbury 6230
Posted by Concerned Mother of small child (as ),
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