"Unsatisfactory care"

I went to the Geraldton Regional Hospital with my toddler child who had already been to the ED once that week. We were seen by a clinician who advised they weren’t sure what was wrong so asked their boss. It was then discussed that the non-blanching rash my child had was probably eczema, as they were asthmatic, or just a virus. I was then told to go home as it wasn't life threatening and they wouldn't be doing blood tests. I went home feeling my concerns hadn't been at all heard and we were just shrugged off.

The next morning, my child’s condition had changed yet again so I went to my GP who then sent us to the hospital to have bloods done. In the meantime, the first clinician had tried to call me asking us to come back into the hospital as they wanted to do more tests. The message didn't come through till later that day but we were already back there. My child then had tests done which diagnosed with HSP.

When I went back to my GP for follow up tests, they advised the notes from the initial admission said that they had diagnosed my child already with HSP. I believe this was 100% not the case. For a start, how could they diagnose my child with this when no tests were done, secondly these words weren't mentioned and thirdly if the first clinician was ringing to ask me to come back in, clearly there was some cause for concern (note, I have this voicemail and text message).

This made me both extremely upset that they are writing what seems to be false notes and making me look like I have lost the plot but it also made me angry. I believe the clinicians need to listen more to the parent's concerns and understand that I have a lot better things to do than sit at a hospital.

As a parent, I feel you are told to listen to your gut, especially with a non-blanching rash and other unusual symptoms. I understand the system is under pressure with COVID but all other medical issues still arise even in a hard time.

My child needed follow up tests to ensure their kidneys weren't affected, but was the clinician who wrote in the notes going to advise me that I needed to do follow up tests. I really appreciate clinician 1 following up on the following day and also the other clinician on that day who examined my child with care, listened to my concerns and requested the blood tests.

I feel the fact that the notes don't reflect what really happened is concerning. Based on my experience, improvements need to be made in the paediatric care of the regional as I know I can only share my story, but I have heard of at least 3 other stories this week of parents not being listened to, therefore the child not being treated properly in my opinion.