"PPE"

I took my toddler to ED as I couldn't get a Dr's appointment in Karratha for 1 week. My toddler had a green runny nose, a temperature, was irritable and had a raised rash on their torso.

We were seen very quickly by a nurse which was great service. The nurse was very nice and completed all the required checks. We were placed in a short stay cubicle and there were 2 other cubicles in use whilst we were being treated.

The doctor COVID tested the baby in the cubicle next to my toddler, then went and assisted the radiographer who was taking an X-ray of a patient who was off a ship, and then proceeded to COVID test my child. I asked the doctor to change their gloves as they had treated the 2 other patients. They refused and said it's not protocol.

I believe the doctor did not sanitise their hands between all three patients or change their gloves. They proceeded to COVID test my toddler and to be honest I felt violated and upset by their refusal but just assumed it was correct protocol not to change PPE in between COVID testing patients.

I have since found out that it seems they should have changed their gloves in between treating all 3 patients. I am not looking for an apology from the hospital by providing this feedback. I should have been more insistent or refused the test until they changed their gloves. I am just wanting to let you know what occurred so that it doesn't happen again.

On a positive note, the nurse was lovely who treated my toddler, he even gave my toddler an icy pole as they were so irritable.