"Staff regarding COVID rules"

This was the second instance I approached the Broome child development because I couldn’t do what was required over the telephone. Upon arriving this time, wearing a mask already and hand sanitized because I was informed last time and it was written clearly at the door.

I recall the same staff member was dismissive and passively aggressive towards me regarding the questions which I was answering clearly, so eventually I reminded them I remembered them from last time and getting rough treatment from them also. I kept answering their questions although I felt it was clear I was no safety hazard. The staff member then insisted I use the hand sanitiser again in front of them before they would print off the required documentation. I refused so they told me I was being aggressive and I was to wait outside or leave. I told them I wasn’t being aggressive, that I felt they were treating me wrong and I deserved to wait inside. So I did and asked their name so I could complain about them as this was the second time they had treated me this way. They refused, so I asked another employee who walked in for help. The staff member was serving the next customer so the employee who walked in, got the required paperwork printed for me from the staff member. I asked the staff member’s name again, no one told me. I thanked the employee who helped me and left.

Now what I don’t understand is why someone who I feel clearly lacks empathy and compassion is the first person to receive people like me who are often struggling already. Why I had to get through what I felt was their misuse of authority to get the help I need, is beyond me. I feel it shouldn’t be that hard. Never have I encountered such reception. It clearly states at the door before we are buzzed in we must wear a mask and hand sanitizer. I had both and still I believe I was treated with suspicion upon answering the question that it seemed I was clearly healthy and a local. I even remembered them and told them. I have attended the local hospital and I found their reception COVID screening staff are pleasant and efficient!

My community health social worker has given me assistance in pursuing this complaint officially and has been the best support and a guardian angel in my time of need on many issues, I couldn’t praise her and the other social worker I met today more, they go above and beyond. Otherwise super happy with my service with my social worker helping with my homelessness and accessing services for my autistic children. Disturbed by the COVID screening by the staff member at the child development but grateful for the help from the social workers and speech and OT!😊