"Experience with the ED for my child's care"

Recently my adolescent went to the Emergency Department (ED) as they had gastro. My teenage child had been vomiting for days and although trying very hard to eat what they could, nothing had stayed down for 4 days.

It was right before the weekend and I was concerned about them. I was unable to speak to anyone from the Eating Disorders Clinic. I phoned the Emergency Room, the Nurse Coordinator. I explained that my child has had multiple unpleasant experiences and admissions via the ED. I explained that I was concerned they were dehydrated and they had not passed urine for almost 12 hours and was unable to keep anything down.

I asked what the protocol would be if I brought them into the hospital. The nurse transferred me to a doctor to speak with. The doctor did not identify themselves in any way. I felt they were rude to me and said they were unable to tell me the protocol and said to ring Health Direct (HD) if I was concerned. I explained that I knew from past experiences that HD would suggest I go to the hospital.

I told the doctor that as my child is over 16, I was nervous about turning up at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) with my child to the ED only to be turned away. I explained the trauma involved in a possible admission and was looking for some information to help me know how to act. The doctor told me that they were unable to help me and to ring HD and hung up on me!

I was so upset and confused. I then rang the PCH switchboard and explained my issue, I asked to be put through to the nurse coordinator or after hours CNS to assist me. I was refused. The person on the telephone kept telling me to ring Health Direct. I told them that they couldn't fill me in on the hospital policy for gastro and under what circumstances my child would be rehydrated or accepted into the ED. I asked to speak to a Dr in charge and was refused to be put through. I then asked to speak to their superior.

They did this and I got to tell my story again. My concern about my child, my question over the protocol for admission/rehydration and the desire to pre-empt my child's arrival and make it as stress-free as possible. Once again, the person was unable to help and told me to ring Health Direct.

So, I did ring Health Direct and they said to go to the nearest hospital. I asked if they could access the ED and inform them that we would be coming in so as to isolate my child from other patients and ensure their admission. Only to be told they could not do that. I asked if they could access my child's information on the My Health Record to help me make decisions or make notes and again, told they couldn't. They didn't have access to it.

I was exasperated. 

I packed up my sick child and headed to the ED. On arrival, there were no face masks, or sick bags, or wheelchairs around to help us. Not good enough.

When we got to the triage desk, I politely said to the nurse that my child has an eating disorder, has gastro, and has not passed urine for over 10 hours and they are dehydrated. I have rung Health Direct. I want them taken in and treated please, and I won't take no for an answer. The nurse looked at me and said fair enough, come through.

In my opinion, so many things are wrong. I would like things changed so this does not happen to others. Allow us to speak to the professionals who know our kids, give us information and do not hang up on us parents.

My child got IVH and stayed the night. After 6 litres they felt much better and passed urine after 23 hours.