I am a staff member of CAHS but one evening recently, I became a consumer of services at PCH ED after my teenager injured their leg while playing community sport.
My partner expressed concern in attending PCH ED following the recent tragic events and I assured them that my colleagues would take good care of our child.
On arrival at PCH my partner approached staff at the front desk of the ED to ask for a wheelchair as my teenager was in considerable pain and unable to weight bear. Staff went to look for a chair returning 10 minutes later stating there were no wheelchairs! A second staff member then asked how old my teenager was and my partner replied 16 years. The nurse replied that they won't see my teenager here and provided no further information. My partner rang me in a panic relaying what had happened and I advised them to go to a different hospital (which is across the road!).
Here are my concerns:
-There are no wheelchairs available in an ED department?
- Staff seemed unwilling to provide information on what to do given that my teenager could not be seen at PCH. Surely they could have taken a few minutes to direct to the closest adult hospital.
-My health literacy is good. What would someone else have done in the same situation?
- I believe the rules are confusing given that my other child was seen for an outpatient appointment at age 17 years.
- I imagine that people attend an ED in a heightened state- I believe a little bit of compassion goes a long way.
It turned out my teenager had a significant break which required surgery.
"Lack of compassion"
About: Perth Children's Hospital / Emergency Department Perth Children's Hospital Emergency Department Nedlands 6009
Posted by geminiym48 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Tim Jones