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"Eating disorder support"

About: Eating Disorders Program Perth Children's Hospital

(as a parent/guardian),

My child has been in and out of hospital for several months with an eating disorder and has had no therapy to treat their condition- this is appalling on its own right. 

Kids are sent home because they are, in their belief, medically stable which is code for psychically at a weight that doesn’t require hospital admission. They have no treatment to manage their eating disorder and if they do get discharged they are straight back in because I feel the outpatient services don’t meet their needs.

Sitting all day in a hospital with a mental illness and not getting any mental support is very challenging. 

Recently at night, after many weeks my child attempted to take matters into their own hands and I received some very distressing text messages. After trying 4 times to get through to the ward (couldn’t even get past switch) I made an urgent care call. About 15 minutes later doctor spent what I felt was less than 4 minutes with my child and then rang me and told me they promise my child will be ok. Still no support I felt, and a complete lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation. I told the doctor my child has since messaged and told me they felt worse and was offered medication and asked why their mum was worried... and then when I challenged the doctor that my child is not going to open up willingly, they said, I’m sorry that’s all I can do I have a number of other patients to see......

Is my child going to be alive tomorrow??

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Responses

Response from Katie McKenzie, Executive Lead Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service 3 years ago
Katie McKenzie
Executive Lead Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service,
Child and Adolescent Health Service
Submitted on 26/05/2021 at 12:43 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 12:44 PM


picture of Katie McKenzie

Dear venuswd57,

Thank you for providing feedback about your child's eating disorder care and treatment.

On behalf of staff caring for your child, I am very sorry our service has not met your expectations. All families have the right to feel confident their child is safe and cared for while in hospital, both physically and mentally. I apologise this has not been your experience of our care. I am reassured you are aware of Care Call as the best pathway for escalating concerns about your child’s wellbeing in hospital, but am concerned the response you received was not adequate.

I would be grateful if you would contact me directly via our Consumer Engagement Team, so we can have a one-on-one, confidential conversation about your and your child’s experiences. While I regret what has occurred, I am very keen to understand your perspective and ensure voices like yours are reflected in our service design. Please email or call the team on (08) 6456 0032 to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Katie McKenzie

Executive Lead – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

Child and Adolescent Health Service

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