"Unprofessional behaviour by a doctor"

My baby recently commenced daycare at a centre in the town of Halls Creek, Western Australia.  After their first week at the daycare, they developed a nasty viral infection.  Their symptoms included sneezing, cough, a red enflamed throat, not eating and fever.

My partner took our baby on two occasions to our local District hospital in Halls Creek and was seen by a certain doctor. On the first visit, my baby was seen to by the triage nurse.  When it came to the Dr appointment they were swabbed for a COVID test and the doctor also checked their ears and chest.  My partner discussed the symptoms, but I believe was largely ignored.

Two days later, I also had developed the same sickness, and my baby's condition had become much worse.  We again went to the District Hospital in Halls Creek, and saw the same doctor - for a second time.  My partner and baby went together to see the doctor and were greeted with what we felt was a sarcastic comment about them becoming regular patients.  My partner ignored this comment and mentioned to the doctor that my baby's condition had got worse.  The doctor quickly checked their throat and said they were fine, and they didn't want to see them back here again with the same conditions.  

More recently we contacted the local clinic in the town and explained the doctor's position on my baby's condition. The doctor in the clinic was away sick, so we saw a senior nurse on duty who recommended we take our baby back to the hospital, in spite of the doctor's comments.  My baby had developed a bad wheeze in their chest and their breathing had began to become laboured.

I called the hospital prior to coming down, as I did not want to see the same doctor again, as they didn't seem to be taking our concerns for our baby's health appropriately.

Thankfully, we were informed that this particular doctor was not the doctor on duty and another doctor was available.

We again went back down to Halls Creek Hospital and I mentioned to the staff at reception that I would like to make a formal complain about the behaviour of the doctor we had seen.  In my partner's opinion, they had felt humiliated, and let down by the doctor, who seemingly believed my partner to be some kind of serial hospital attendee.  Even though my partner had only been there twice in their time living in Halls Creek.

Thankfully, the doctor and the assisting nurse listened to our concerns for our baby's health and diagnosed them with a viral infection with a throat infection.  They took the necessary, appropriate action and administered my baby an injection of penicillin.

We mentioned to them what the first doctor had said to my partner and they seemed genuinely concerned by the doctor's comments.

I would like the doctor's practice to be looked at more closely.  In this town, I understand over 80% of the population are Indigenous. I believe many with poor literacy skills and who may have difficulties formalising a complaint process my these means.  If the doctor's lack of an appropriate bedside manner is so evident to a professional couple living in the town, then I shudder to think how they treat people without the skills or means to do something about it.  I hope and trust this complaint finds itself to the doctor's line manager and this issue is discussed with them appropriately.