Our children have had numerous X-rays and MRIs over the years for various issues from broken bones through to dental OPG requests.
Why, as a consumer and patient, are we not given the choice to mitigate cumulative exposure to radiation?
Why, when asking for protective gear e.g. thyroid collar or apron, you are refused and not given the option?
As a parent I believe you know your child and their medical history best, particulary over a number of providers, years and varying medical locations, the imaging operator doesn't, and or in my experience, never asks about exposure. It is not even a concern.
Kalgoorlie Health Campus medical imaging operator on the day relayed that paediatric/child-sized protective gear (e.g. thyroid collars) do not exist for kids at the facility, but only for staff to wear and that a low dose of radiation is given. Yes, that may be, but my child had two that day and over time it counts and our choice to mitigate our risk is diminished. My other child has had countless.
The imaging operator also claims it's only necessary to wear protective gear if one has been exposed 6 months ago previous to the current x-ray and that the protective gear only gets in the way. I would have thought the protective gear is made fit for purpose by its supplier?
We feel unsafe and disempowered to make a choice of mitigating risk by employing some simple safety measures, for a powerful tool used to diagnose a condition, instead, we are told to cancel the appointment and go see your GP.
Why can't KRH employ the use of protective gear for its young/child patients, who have a lifetime ahead of them and who will potentially be exposed multiple times?
"Medical Imaging X-rays"
About: Kalgoorlie Health Campus / Medical Imaging Kalgoorlie Health Campus Medical Imaging Kalgoorlie 6430
Posted by Irradiated (as ),
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