"Kid's allergic reaction priority"

My little one had an allergic reaction, but with some home care and allergy medication it was managed. However, shortly after, my child was not like their usual self. Their allergic reaction flared up again to the point where they were vomiting a few times and was breathing funny. My child also had a rash on their neck, back and stomach and complaining that their private part is hurting. I got them cleaned up and changed and straight to hospital we went.

They triaged us and so it seemed the long wait begins. I believe they took in patients that came after us and I felt did not take the fact that this is allergic reaction to something seriously. So, after about an hour wait, I went back to ask how much longer it will take to get seen as my child’s rash that is blistering on their face is now on their chin as well. I got sent back to the staff member where I recall I was told I have someone else in front of me and then will get seen, but that it could still be a fair while away as they are busy with sick people. I told the staff member that my child's reaction is now on their chin and that I feel they should get seen sooner. I recall the staff member said it would not be too long. It seemed to me a few patients in the waiting room said they should see my child sooner as they could see my child was not well.

I recall after almost another hour wait, and at this point a very irritated little one, I went back to ask to take my child home so that I can give them medication for the reaction and try to get an emergency appointment with my GP as I feel my child is not their priority, but is mine, and needs something to stop it as it was still spreading on their face. I recall the staff member told me at this point that we are next but still could be a while as they have sick patients. I said I get that, but a child that is so little with an allergic reaction I believe should be seen sooner and not have to wait this long. And in this time, it seemed to me they took another two patients in before us after I recall I was told it is one more patient and then us.

I recall the staff member said it possibly could be a reaction or anything else. I said it is, as this came from nowhere and has been happening on and off for about 12 months but was never this bad. I recall the staff member then asked me how I know it is an allergy. I told them that as I understand it, you know your child and when you see things, you take action, hence why we are doing allergy testing. It seemed to me the staff member would let me sign a form to take my little one home where I could have cared for them much quicker. I said I will wait a little longer and then I am leaving as I feel they don't care about little kids and this is making me worried as my child was not well, I know my child. It seemed to me the priority to them is not important.

The clinician called us in next where I showed them the photos and explained what happened until now. As I understand it, I was told that it is an allergic reaction and that we need to get my child tested. They, as a hospital, cannot do a test and that it must come from a GP. I advised the clinician that we are waiting for our appointment which is not long away, as we could get in sooner with our regular GP and they were getting it sorted, but I felt the reaction right now needs to be sorted first. I also said that I believe waiting this long for an allergic reaction in a child to be seen is not good enough. I told the clinician that it has now spread to more to parts of my child’s face, as I believe the clinician could see.

My child is on steroids and antibiotics. The clinician also gave my child a dose straight away and a script to get the rest. But according to the staff member, it could be an allergic reaction and not a priority compared to some patients.

This is not the first bad experience we have had with Geraldton regional hospital. And seeing how laid back I felt they were treating an allergic reaction in a little kid, just opened old wounds. I believe little kids should not have to wait this long with an allergic reaction that could be way worse.

In my opinion, the hospital procedures need to be looked at. I believe you should not have to fight and push to get proper medical care. I feel it should be a standard that never changes.