My teenage child, has had poor health recently and in consultation with our private paediatrician and GP - investigations showed very low cortisol levels and the synacthen test also showed an insufficient response.
The GP contacted the Perth Childrens Hospital Endocrinology requesting an urgent consult. The consultant declined to accept the referral. Both our GP and paediatrician expressed concern with the response from the PCH, as low cortisol an indicator of adrenal insufficiency (primary / secondary) and rapid diagnosis and treatment is indicated do the risk associated with adrenal crisis, and / or, pituitary or hypothalamus dysfunction.
Both my partner and I are employed in clinical roles. We work hard to provide quality care for patients in the health system, and work with patients through their journey of presenting for help, through to diagnosis and treatment.
I find it is severely disappointing that our child hasn't be afforded the input of specialist endocrinology review. A family member who is an endocrinology registrar overseas was so concerned following their review of the pathology results that they phoned us at 3.30am to strongly reinforce the need of endocrinology review.
Our paediatrician will continue to advocate for our child to receive specialist endocrinology review via the public system, however I feel in light of the potential (and significant) risks associated we will likely be forced to seek private referral.
"Access to Endocrinologist"
About: Perth Children's Hospital / Endocrinology/Diabetes - Outpatient Clinic D & Outpatient Clinic G Perth Children's Hospital Endocrinology/Diabetes - Outpatient Clinic D & Outpatient Clinic G Nedlands 6009
Posted by Wunjarrah (as ),
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