"ED and Inpatient Visits"

We had a very positive experience at Albany Health Campus last weekend.

My teenager presented at ED one evening with ongoing abdominal pains.  We were triaged fairly quickly and made to feel comfortable.  Dr Gemma was amazing with my teenager, explaining clearly the procedures and tests she was undertaking.  There were a lot of 'firsts' for my teenager - first blood pressure test, first cannula, first ultrasound.  The nursing staff, Dr Gemma and the Sonographer treated my teenager very well and it made me feel comfortable with their explanations.  With inconclusive results, we were sent home with the advice that if the pain persisted, to come back.

We returned in the early hours of the morning two days later, after my teenager's pain got worse.  After an initial assessment, the doctor stated they needed a surgical opinion however the Surgical Team did not start their rounds until later that morning.  We were given the choice to stay in ED until that time, or go home for some sleep and come back.  I thought this was great to have a choice (and it freed up ED) so we went home for a few hours before returning later that morning.

After another ultrasound, Dr Edward recommended my teenager be admitted to the Children's Ward for overnight observations.  Handover to the ward was seamless and we settled into the room for the day.  The amazing team of nurses and PSA's on the ward were attentive and friendly.  Special thanks to Cassie (day shift), Lisha (evening shift), (can't remember the name of the night shift nurse?) and Noelene.  Getting detailed information out of a teenager can be challenging!  Handover between shift changes was thorough and hand hygiene was excellent.

The evening meal was delicious for me (Thai Green Chicken Curry, Minestrone, rice and steamed vegetables), however my teenager feels it would have been nice to have been offered a choice of the vegetarian option as they found the curry to be too spicy.  My teenager ate the rice and vegetables, then the PSA offered them a sandwich which they ate perhaps half of.  Breakfast was also good; the rolls were nice and hot.

Dr Edward saw my teenager in the morning, and they were discharged with antibiotics for mild appendicitis.  Dr Edward was very personable and tried cracking jokes with my teenager about not wanting to see her again - and managed to get a smile out of her!

I was very pleased with the experiences we had in ED and on the Ward, although it is exhausting for any parent to go through.