"The poor treatment of my adult child"

My adult child who presented recently. They were apparently in the ED still awaiting a bed around two days after admission. My child had been bashed (head injuries) and they also had suppurating wounds to their chest that would have required dressings and possibly IV antibiotics. My child was in a bed in the corridor, in full view of all. My child felt like they were treated like "s***t" and felt there was no care or compassion for their situation. My child is homeless, was probably unkempt and coming down from drugs. They also have mental health problems and was suicidal. My adult child was reviewed by the psych team who felt declined readmission.

As a registered nurse myself with considerable ED experience and 35 years of nursing I felt that there could have been more care.

As a result of my child feeling unwanted and uncared for they chose to self discharge. I believe the consequences of this have resulted in my child further offending, the police being involved and now they are remanded in custody.

I understand it was a complex situation, but I think if the appropriate care and empathy was given my child would be in hospital, not jail.

I did not witness this but I am going by my child's comments to me and the word of their other parent, who was with my child during their hospital stay.