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Care Opinion

Waiting for a bed

Posted By StressedMum76

"Waiting for a bed"

About: Perth Children's Hospital / Respiratory & Sleep Medicine - Outpatient Clinic F

(as a parent/guardian),

Nearly two weeks we were told our child (a tween) required an admission to PCH for cystic fibrosis treatment. Their Consultant decided it was urgent and filled out the paperwork immediately, ticking urgent admission on the paperwork.

Nearly two weeks later and we are still waiting. We are given what I feel are excuses that the hospital is full due to flu numbers yet the News tells us those numbers are the lowest ever? Staff tell us it’s a nurse shortage. The Government say they have released funds to allow for the employment of more nurses. 

I say you all need to get your stuff together and sort this crap out! Cystic fibrosis is incurable and the only hope we have is treatment as soon as it’s needed! In my opinion, no kids with cancer are left waiting weeks for a bed! In my opinion, this is unjust and unfair! Keep an eye on 9News for me as they have picked up on the story. As if PCH hadn’t had enough bad publicity! In my opinion, you need to fix the damn staff and bed situation now!

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Responses

Response from Sue Baker, Nursing Co-Director (Medical), Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA 2 years ago
Sue Baker
Nursing Co-Director (Medical),
Child and Adolescent Health Service - WA

Submitted on 3/09/2021 at 8:48 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 8:48 AM

Dear StressedMum76,

Thank you for sharing your feedback about your experience at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH).

On behalf of the PCH staff caring for your child at such a vulnerable time, I am deeply sorry our service did not meet your expectations.

We believe you have spoken to the Clinical Nurse Specialist – Respiratory Department who has discussed your concerns and explained other options for care.

For many reasons over recent months, the number of children requiring acute and emergency admissions has increased significantly. The allocation of beds by the Patient Flow Unit (PFU) is always based on the clinical need of the child.

If we are unable to accommodate patients waiting to access the hospital the delay is discussed with the child’s team, the PFU is guided by the medical and senior nursing team as to whether it is clinically appropriate to postpone the admission. If we are unable to admit the child the parents/carers are advised to present to the Emergency Department with any concerns for assessment and advice.

We acknowledge the distress this causes to patients and families expecting an admission and do not make these decisions easily or without input from the team caring for the child.

If you would like to discuss your and your child’s experience further, we would be grateful if you would take the time to contact our Consumer Engagement Team on (08) 6456 0032 or email cahsfeedback@health.wa.gov.au.

Kind Regards,

Sue Baker

Nursing Co-Director – Medicine Division

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