My close relative went to the ED dept after visiting their local doctor as their child was unwell. My young grandchild had terrible intermittent stomach pains. The local doctor gave my relative a referral to be seen at ED and to get an ultrasound there as he suspected appendicitis.
They presented early in the morning, and the staff there dismissed what their doctor had written, and they were left in ED until someone saw them four hours later. My relative had to take their two younger children, (both toddlers) there as they had no one to look after them. In my opinion, the staff they saw really did not care and were very dismissive and rude.
They said, my grandchild doesn't need treatment or tests.
They finally relented after my relative got upset with them.
One doctor examined my grandchild and felt their throat and said they have enlarged tonsils, they probably have a virus, to which my relative replied, they don't have any tonsils! I believe the doctor did not have a clue.
Finally they said we will give them an ultrasound, 6 and a half hours after coming in with a note from a doctor requesting this!!
And then after, my relative said to staff what happens now? Ultrasound and doctor could not tell them.
My relative went back to reception and said their two youngest needed food and nappies. The receptionist told my relative they could go and staff would call with the results within an hour, and if need be could come back.
No one rang, so my relative rang back and got a different receptionist who said because you aren't here the file will be closed and you will have to come back and wait in line again to see a doctor for results! WTF, is this the best the WA health dept can do?
So my relative rang me asking what to do, I said if their child gets worse to drive the 30mins and go to another metropolitan hospital instead.
Whilst on the phone to me at night, the hospital rang to say the child has an inflamed appendix, and they would text them a script for antibiotics, and they will need another ultrasound after finishing them.
So basically this was 11 and a half hours after going to ED.
This is hopeless.
My relative did the right thing by going to a doctor first, who then wrote a referral to go to ED. What was the point, if ED just stuff them around?
Also my relative found a lighter in the children's play room.
In my opinion, this hospital is a disgrace.
Staff attitude
Staff skills
Team work
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