My teenage child is autistic and had a very bad flu. They also had been having what they call blackouts, where they lose time. They also had trouble breathing and their cough was so bad they kept vomiting. We took my teenage child to the ED at Bunbury Regional Hospital at around midday recently. They got triaged half an hour later and then waited many hours until they were called in. The doctor took blood tests and told us to go back outside to wait in the waiting room. They told us the bloods would take an hour and they would call us back in to do more tests once we had them.
A few hours after that, I asked the clerk if there was any results yet as my teenage child was quite distressed by now. We had been at the ED for 7.5 hours by this time. The clerk said to ask the nurse and I explained I had not seen a nurse at all whilst waiting. They then called a nurse and the nurse asked me what the problem was (their words in my recollection). I explained that my child was distressed and the bloods were done 3 hours ago. They said they will come and check my child's vitals but they were very busy, it might take some time. This nurse comes in about 10 mins then followed up with the doctor. They come back saying the bloods were back and the doctor would be with my child in about 15 mins. I felt they were extremely rude and curt.
About 30 minutes later the doctor called us and took us into a room by the waiting room. They said the bloods are perfect, go home and take some Panadol.
When I asked about the blackouts they said, follow up with the GP and they can do a head scan.
I was so angry and disappointed with the care my child received. We were at the hospital for more than 8 hours and in my opinion, did not receive the care I felt was expected. I thought the doctor would have been concerned about my child's blackouts but I believe they weren’t. I felt our concerns were brushed off.
I do understand Bunbury is a busy regional hospital but I felt this was absolutely ridiculous.
"Concerns brushed off"
About: Bunbury Hospital / Emergency Department Bunbury Hospital Emergency Department Bunbury 6230
Posted by matarnt43 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Stephen Hartwig