"Checking in"

Arriving for a speech therapy appointment for my child, the rules unbeknownst to me changed for entry at the hospital. A RAT test was required to enter the hospital now, I enquired that text messages sent out should state a possible RAT test may be required so allow a 15 min delay. I was told by a staff member (SM) it is a DHS issue.

I was given the test and instructed to sit in the waiting area in front of the office, a visitor was also waiting there. Once the visitor was allowed to go after about 2 min of me sitting there, (SM) told me to go outside to do my test. I asked if I could sit with my child in between the two doors as there was other seats there and nobody was on them. I recall (SM) said no go outside. No seats, shelter or toilet facilities were provided outside in the heat.

I returned back inside feeling outcasted. I showed my RAT test, (SM) told me that was fine, so I threw it in the bin provided right there. I recall (SM) told me that test may be needed to show the next dept I needed to go to. I said it’s too late it’s in the bin. I believe (SM) said I should have not been so quick to throw it in the bin. I replied that they should have given me better instructions. I fished my test out of the bin, other tests were in the bin, I understand (SM) watched me do this and never said a word. All I was thinking about was to get to my next destination, I was already late for my appointment. I told (SM) they need to fix the information on checking in. I recall (SM) told me to go get vaccinated. I couldn't believed it seemed I was being discriminated against to which I replied to (SM) that I feel nobody has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do. I recall (SM) quietly replied yes. On exiting the hospital (SM) apologised to me, I said I would be reporting it. I went home feeling sick because I picked out a RAT test from a bin with other RAT tests in there and I felt like l possibly contaminated everybody I came in contact with including myself and family.

I felt victimised, dehumanised and discriminated against. As I understand it, the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights states I have a right; to be treated as an individual, and with dignity. Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected. My question to the hospital is that if you want people to go outside and do their RAT test, in my opinion you must provide shelter, seats and toilet facilities. Once a RAT test is shown to a staff member at the check in desk, I believe that should be good enough to continue on to your destination. As far as I’m aware, a RAT test states it should not be read after 20 mins as it would be invalid. So if it takes you more than 5 minutes to get to where you need to go, I feel it’s useless. Based on my experience, staff should also be reminded what everybody's choices are as I should not feel discriminated against.