"Neonatology outpatients"

We recently brought our infant foster child to an outpatient appointment with Dr Melanie, a Senior Registrar in Neonatology at PCH. In all my years of parenting and working in the health system, I have rarely come across a medical professional who displays the level of professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail displayed by Dr Melanie. 

She was inclusive, non-judgemental, and respectful of our baby's birth mother who was present at the appointment and listened carefully to our concerns, which had been raised on two previous occasions but not acted on. Dr Melanie thoroughly examined our baby, and we left feeling reassured that an appropriate plan was in place. 

Within a few hours of the appointment, Dr Melanie had emailed a summary of her findings and proposed course of action to the caseworker and myself, and had put in place mechanisms to gain consent for the tests and procedures they required. She completed the urgent referrals and within a week our baby had both of the tests/procedures booked in, both of which are scheduled to occur within a fortnight of our appointment. She has called me on several occasions to update me on the progress of the referrals, consent etc. She then gave a comprehensive handover to the paediatric team at our local hospital who will provide ongoing care. 

As a health care professional myself, I am aware how much time and effort it would have involved to ensure that this little baby didn't slip through the cracks, and got the care they needed in a timely manner. This experience was quite different to the two previous occasions where we raised our concerns (once in ED, once at the previous neonate clinic appointment). We are all extremely grateful to Dr Melanie for taking the time to ensure that our little one is monitored and cared for by the appropriate specialists from now on. As the potential issues being tested for require timely treatment, we are hopeful that our baby is not adversely affected by the long delay before we stumbled into the care of the amazing Dr Melanie. Thank you Dr Melanie, we are glad that there are dedicated and professional doctors like you working in the system!