This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Lack of concern when I presented with my sick baby

Posted By giraffede45

"Lack of concern when I presented with my sick baby"

About: Northam Health Service / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

My newborn baby hadn’t been drinking their usual intake for the last few days, had diarrhoea and no wet nappies throughout the night. I contacted the child health nurse reception - explained those symptoms and was told as I recalled, "due to diarrhoea they need to be seen ASAP but we can’t help". I then rang the Northam Midwifery and was told to take my baby up to the hospital so I did so.

When I arrived all tests and questions were done, we were put into one of the rooms and waited for a doctor. The doctor finally come around and I felt asked me the questions the nurse had already. I explained the symptoms again, they then told me as I recalled, that this isn’t a huge emergency and I will be holding up those who do have real emergencies. I cried, grabbed my baby and left the hospital. This is my second child and not that it matters, I should have been told what was wrong with my baby instead of been told that this isn’t a good enough reason to be here.

Within the next following days, I received a call from another nurse at the hospital asking how we were and that it was written down that I rejected to see a doctor and if I ended up getting it all sorted. Which isn’t the case at all based on my experience. I told this nurse that is incorrect, and I did see the doctor but they just didn’t want to see me and that I ended up seeking help elsewhere with a doctor who had finished for the day, but I believe when hearing it was a few months old baby, they stayed back which I am forever grateful for.

Turns out it was just a virus and my baby cleared up within days. I just wish the Northam hospital would have helped me and eased my stress instead of telling me I’m wasting their time and then write down I rejected them. 

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Rachele Ferrari, Regional Director, Wheatbelt, WA Country Health, Wheatbelt 2 years ago
Rachele Ferrari
Regional Director, Wheatbelt,
WA Country Health, Wheatbelt

Submitted on 22/09/2021 at 6:23 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 23/09/2021 at 9:51 AM

picture of Rachele Ferrari

Dear giraffede45,

First, congratulations on the birth of your second child. I am also a mother, and it is very scary when your baby is not well, parents know their children best and when things are not right you should always feel confident to reach out for help.

I am so sorry you were made to feel like you were wasting staff time when you took your newborn baby to Northam Hospital. Feeling assured, being listened to and cared for, especially when you bring your baby to an emergency department is very important to me. You mention your baby is now well – that is great news and I hope they continue to grow and thrive.

Trenton Greive is the Operations Manager at Northam Hospital. He is sharing your story with all the Emergency Department nurses and doctors and talking with them about the absolute importance of providing compassionate care. Listening and communicating equally with every patient and their family and carers and addressing their concerns. That is the experience you should expect and receive when you visit an ED.

Whenever someone leaves the ED before care is completed, no matter the reason; a nurse will call the patient/carer in the next few days. In sharing your story with the ED staff, Trenton will also reflect on the reasons you decided to take your baby to another GP, and how the care provided, and communication led to your decision to leave.

Most important to me is your newborn baby is well and we can make sure you have confidence to come to the hospital if you ever need to in the future. If you want to talk to Trenton, he can be contacted on 0429 104 036 or Russell Cockburn who is the Director of Nursing and Midwifery across all hospitals in the Wheatbelt. Russell can be contacted on 0427 088 157.

Warm regards,

Rachele Ferrari

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k