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Paediatrics appointment cancelled, again!

Posted By maypd87

"Paediatrics appointment cancelled, again!"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Outpatient Services

(as a parent/guardian),

We had a scheduled paediatric appointment this week for my young child who has a high-level ADHD and is in need of a medication change as they're struggling, among other health conditions including alopecia. But I just received a call this morning to say our appointment has been cancelled again! This is not the first time this has happened and I fear they will cancel the next one, causing more delays and proper treatment for my young child.

We were on the waitlist for 2 years before now to see a paediatrician, and we still can’t seem to secure an appointment and they keep rescheduling and cancelling them. I believe the issue is there are not enough paed doctors in the region, but travelling to Perth is not an option for us as I have another child who has autism, so it’s a difficult journey for us to make due to multiple factors. If they won’t employ more paediatricians, why can’t we see the local doctor or GP to get the medications changed? This is absolutely ridiculous and things need to change.

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Responses

Response from Ranjit Paul, Director Medical Services, Geraldton Hospital, WA Country Health Service nearly 2 years ago
Ranjit Paul
Director Medical Services, Geraldton Hospital,
WA Country Health Service

Director of Medical Services

Submitted on 16/05/2022 at 7:12 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 17/05/2022 at 8:34 AM

picture of Ranjit Paul

Dear maypd87,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story about the late cancellation of your child’s paediatric appointment at Geraldton Hospital. I am very sorry that the appointment was rescheduled at short notice and appreciate this would be frustrating and disappointing for you.

The WA Country Health Service - Midwest continues to see increased demand for our paediatric services. To facilitate this increased demand, we are reviewing our specialist paediatrician workforce, contracted locum paediatricians in the interim and established additional clinics.

Occasionally staff availability has led to clinics being cancelled and rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. To ensure your child’s needs are being met in a timely manner, I would like to be able to look into your specific concerns and see what can be done to help support you and your family, including the involvement of your GP if possible to support prescription changes. If you would like to do this, I can be contacted on phone 9956 2410 or via email at Ranjit.Paul@health.wa.gov.au

Thank you again for providing feedback to us. I do hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards

Dr Ranjit Paul

Director Medical Services

Geraldton Hospital

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