"Eating disorders and failure to adequately include a parent"

Recently my child was admitted to PCH for refeeding and subsequently diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa.  As a separated parent, I feel I have been deliberately and systemically excluded from my child’s life.  Once I was informed my child had been admitted I contacted the hospital for an update on my child’s condition and to find out more information. I was given very basic information and informed I must supply all family court documentation before I would be given any further information.  I provided all documentation requested immediately. 

I spoke with a team of people over the phone, it was unclear how many people were in the room and who was speaking.  At one point a senior paediatrician spoke on the phone but I was unable to identify their name.  I felt this Dr was very hostile toward me from the outset of the conversation and informed me that I would be updated by the team but only by phone.  I was made to feel that I was not welcome to ask questions and be involved in my child’s treatment.  When I tried to find out the names of all the people in the meeting and their roles, I was questioned as to why I wanted that information and was denied the information. 

I was offered a 30 min phone appointment to go through an intake medical questionnaire as part of the assessment process for an eating disorder.  When I requested a face to face appointment I was denied the opportunity and therefore was seemingly forced to accept the 30 min phone call.

I have tried to reach out to Clinic K outpatient team since my child has been discharged from their inpatient stay, knowing they are engaged with the outpatient eating disorder team.  I have been refused any face to face appointments with any of the team, and told I would simply receive fortnightly email updates only.  I have received just one email update, and now I have received an email out of nowhere stating they have reviewed their process and I will only receive an update by email 3 monthly!  This is seemingly despite my child being seriously ill with a life threatening mental health condition.

I attended the two day ED essentials workshop where it was made very clear that it is essential for all family to be involved in their child’s treatment and separated parents are encouraged to attend all appointments and engage in family therapy and treatment to help the child recover.  I understand it was very important that all family’s are on the same page through treatment. 

I feel that the staff involved at PCH appear to be excluding my involvement in my child’s treatment without reasonable or justified cause.