"Medical Certificate"

I was admitted to emergency at the Broome Hospital with a twisted knee.

I was released later that night with crutches. Next morning, the pain came back and my leg was unstable. I'm the sole carer of my toddler at home. I couldn't look after my toddler in such state. I called the doctor I saw at the hospital requesting a medical certificate saying I'll be unfit for 7 days to look after my toddler. Hence my husband would have taken leave to look after the toddler and we will start looking for a babysitter. The doctor would not give me any medical certificate.

We were in a helpless position. My husband's leave was not approved. He was worried that he would lose his job, so he went to work leaving me alone with my active toddler at home. I called the hospital and requested to speak to the after hours manager on duty to lodge a complaint. She told me that she didn't have time to take my complaint!

I got more upset, while I was home alone with my unstable leg and a running toddler. I called back and spoke to a receptionist. I burst into tears over the phone explaining the lack of support I received. She consoled me and said she would try to speak to a nurse and try to get the medical certificate ASAP. She also apologised repeatedly. Shortly she called back to say it was possible to get the medical certificate. An hour later a nurse called and said the certificate was ready for collection. This nurse was very polite and apologised. Later the receptionist called again to follow up on how I was doing with my unstable leg babysitting my toddler.

I'm writing this positive feedback for the receptionist and the nurse who helped me at Broome Hospital, WA. The hospital needs active and professional staff like this. I'm requesting the management to acknowledge their sincere work. They saved my life.