Our experience of Perth hospitals
Nov 5th 2006, 3:49 am
#1
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Our experience of Perth hospitals
Daughter (4 yrs) fell of the trampoline yesterday (yep, we are beating ourselves up about it and will continue to do so for a long time) - very obvious break of the wrist (ulna and radius).
Took her to PMH in Subiaco.
I suppose it reinforced my thoughts of the similarities between UK and Australia. Very similar experience to visits to UK hospitals.
A&E packed - 3 hour wait. Triage nurse obvlious to the pain that my daughter was in - dealing with someone who didn't look too distressed.
Anyhow, a very good nurse noticed my daughter within minutes and she was taken straight through. We spent two and a half hours in A&E being x-rayed, given morphine and, it has to be said, waiting for a doctor, operating theatre availability and a porter (a la NHS).
Finally taken up to operating theatre where things began to improve - primarily because my daughter was dosed up and went under for the theatre procedure.
My view on the following may change depending on if any complications develop. The surgeon was excellent, the anaesthetist superb the radiographer was excellent, the nurses in theatre and on the ward were excellent. I had full confidence in them.
I actually felt that the nurses were better than my expereinces in the UK primarily (I think) becauase their workload was lighter (and rightly so). They attended to my daughter every 20 minutes or so, checking her fingers administering pain killers etc and were excellent to me (I stayed overnight) also.
I felt that the ward was more dilapidated than I was used to in the UK. The nurse carried a huge torch on night duty (do they do this in the UK?!) which seemed a bit archaic but was no problem. Toilet in the ward was very clean but were pretty dire in the main hospital (even the ones next to theatre).
Medical insurance - I told them that we were with HBF when I arrived and just accepted that we were going to be out of pocket. But I don't know if we will be charged - the nurse asked me to sign a form and said that it would be all be covered by medicare - but I was in a bit of a dazed state so I'm not too sure.
My daughter was placed on a ward - I suppose I could have invoked the "We have private medical insurance and we'd like a single room" but I didn't - primarily because it was late, we were only going to be there for one night and I thought that it would be better for her if she saw other sick kids rather than be isolated.
One interesting point. I know from the experience of others that we would have been questioned quite intensely by authorities in the UK for injuries to a child. We never got asked a thing other than "how did it happen?"
Took her to PMH in Subiaco.
I suppose it reinforced my thoughts of the similarities between UK and Australia. Very similar experience to visits to UK hospitals.
A&E packed - 3 hour wait. Triage nurse obvlious to the pain that my daughter was in - dealing with someone who didn't look too distressed.
Anyhow, a very good nurse noticed my daughter within minutes and she was taken straight through. We spent two and a half hours in A&E being x-rayed, given morphine and, it has to be said, waiting for a doctor, operating theatre availability and a porter (a la NHS).
Finally taken up to operating theatre where things began to improve - primarily because my daughter was dosed up and went under for the theatre procedure.
My view on the following may change depending on if any complications develop. The surgeon was excellent, the anaesthetist superb the radiographer was excellent, the nurses in theatre and on the ward were excellent. I had full confidence in them.
I actually felt that the nurses were better than my expereinces in the UK primarily (I think) becauase their workload was lighter (and rightly so). They attended to my daughter every 20 minutes or so, checking her fingers administering pain killers etc and were excellent to me (I stayed overnight) also.
I felt that the ward was more dilapidated than I was used to in the UK. The nurse carried a huge torch on night duty (do they do this in the UK?!) which seemed a bit archaic but was no problem. Toilet in the ward was very clean but were pretty dire in the main hospital (even the ones next to theatre).
Medical insurance - I told them that we were with HBF when I arrived and just accepted that we were going to be out of pocket. But I don't know if we will be charged - the nurse asked me to sign a form and said that it would be all be covered by medicare - but I was in a bit of a dazed state so I'm not too sure.
My daughter was placed on a ward - I suppose I could have invoked the "We have private medical insurance and we'd like a single room" but I didn't - primarily because it was late, we were only going to be there for one night and I thought that it would be better for her if she saw other sick kids rather than be isolated.
One interesting point. I know from the experience of others that we would have been questioned quite intensely by authorities in the UK for injuries to a child. We never got asked a thing other than "how did it happen?"
Nov 5th 2006, 4:01 am
#2
Gutter Gob!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 13,098
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by NKSK version 2
Daughter (4 yrs) fell of the trampoline yesterday (yep, we are beating ourselves up about it and will continue to do so for a long time) - very obvious break of the wrist (ulna and radius).
Took her to PMH in Subiaco.
I suppose it reinforced my thoughts of the similarities between UK and Australia. Very similar experience to visits to UK hospitals.
A&E packed - 3 hour wait. Triage nurse obvlious to the pain that my daughter was in - dealing with someone who didn't look too distressed.
Anyhow, a very good nurse noticed my daughter within minutes and she was taken straight through. We spent two and a half hours in A&E being x-rayed, given morphine and, it has to be said, waiting for a doctor, operating theatre availability and a porter (a la NHS).
Finally taken up to operating theatre where things began to improve - primarily because my daughter was dosed up and went under for the theatre procedure.
My view on the following may change depending on if any complications develop. The surgeon was excellent, the anaesthetist superb the radiographer was excellent, the nurses in theatre and on the ward were excellent. I had full confidence in them.
I actually felt that the nurses were better than my expereinces in the UK primarily (I think) becauase their workload was lighter (and rightly so). They attended to my daughter every 20 minutes or so, checking her fingers administering pain killers etc and were excellent to me (I stayed overnight) also.
I felt that the ward was more dilapidated than I was used to in the UK. The nurse carried a huge torch on night duty (do they do this in the UK?!) which seemed a bit archaic but was no problem. Toilet in the ward was very clean but were pretty dire in the main hospital (even the ones next to theatre).
Medical insurance - I told them that we were with HBF when I arrived and just accepted that we were going to be out of pocket. But I don't know if we will be charged - the nurse asked me to sign a form and said that it would be all be covered by medicare - but I was in a bit of a dazed state so I'm not too sure.
My daughter was placed on a ward - I suppose I could have invoked the "We have private medical insurance and we'd like a single room" but I didn't - primarily because it was late, we were only going to be there for one night and I thought that it would be better for her if she saw other sick kids rather than be isolated.
One interesting point. I know from the experience of others that we would have been questioned quite intensely by authorities in the UK for injuries to a child. We never got asked a thing other than "how did it happen?"
Took her to PMH in Subiaco.
I suppose it reinforced my thoughts of the similarities between UK and Australia. Very similar experience to visits to UK hospitals.
A&E packed - 3 hour wait. Triage nurse obvlious to the pain that my daughter was in - dealing with someone who didn't look too distressed.
Anyhow, a very good nurse noticed my daughter within minutes and she was taken straight through. We spent two and a half hours in A&E being x-rayed, given morphine and, it has to be said, waiting for a doctor, operating theatre availability and a porter (a la NHS).
Finally taken up to operating theatre where things began to improve - primarily because my daughter was dosed up and went under for the theatre procedure.
My view on the following may change depending on if any complications develop. The surgeon was excellent, the anaesthetist superb the radiographer was excellent, the nurses in theatre and on the ward were excellent. I had full confidence in them.
I actually felt that the nurses were better than my expereinces in the UK primarily (I think) becauase their workload was lighter (and rightly so). They attended to my daughter every 20 minutes or so, checking her fingers administering pain killers etc and were excellent to me (I stayed overnight) also.
I felt that the ward was more dilapidated than I was used to in the UK. The nurse carried a huge torch on night duty (do they do this in the UK?!) which seemed a bit archaic but was no problem. Toilet in the ward was very clean but were pretty dire in the main hospital (even the ones next to theatre).
Medical insurance - I told them that we were with HBF when I arrived and just accepted that we were going to be out of pocket. But I don't know if we will be charged - the nurse asked me to sign a form and said that it would be all be covered by medicare - but I was in a bit of a dazed state so I'm not too sure.
My daughter was placed on a ward - I suppose I could have invoked the "We have private medical insurance and we'd like a single room" but I didn't - primarily because it was late, we were only going to be there for one night and I thought that it would be better for her if she saw other sick kids rather than be isolated.
One interesting point. I know from the experience of others that we would have been questioned quite intensely by authorities in the UK for injuries to a child. We never got asked a thing other than "how did it happen?"
Nov 5th 2006, 4:51 am
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: A land far far away
Posts: 1,149
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
We have had to take our youngest son to Joondalup a couple of times.
I have found the care exceptionally professional at all times, yes and clean.
Children are always covered by Medicare I believe. When we were admitted (for a virus) I was asked if I wanted private or public. The only difference being that I would have had a private room. But, as my children are tiny I wouldn't consider leaving them on their own.
Same son took a nose dive off his mini truck recently (yes the guilt). We were assessed very quickly and taken through for Paed specialist also very speedily. The Doc did question me closely about the timing of the accident, where we lived (to see how long between accident and arrival at hospital) and did I witness it (no his Dad did, I was upstairs putting away the ironing
)
She then apologised and explained that she had to ask these questions. Good for her, said I, keep asking.
I have had a baby in the private sector (SJOG) and my husband had a spinal operation at The Mount. Can't fault them.
I know people do slag off the health service, but my family's experience has been excellent.
Hope your daughter feels better soon.
I have found the care exceptionally professional at all times, yes and clean.
Children are always covered by Medicare I believe. When we were admitted (for a virus) I was asked if I wanted private or public. The only difference being that I would have had a private room. But, as my children are tiny I wouldn't consider leaving them on their own.
Same son took a nose dive off his mini truck recently (yes the guilt). We were assessed very quickly and taken through for Paed specialist also very speedily. The Doc did question me closely about the timing of the accident, where we lived (to see how long between accident and arrival at hospital) and did I witness it (no his Dad did, I was upstairs putting away the ironing
)She then apologised and explained that she had to ask these questions. Good for her, said I, keep asking.
I have had a baby in the private sector (SJOG) and my husband had a spinal operation at The Mount. Can't fault them.
I know people do slag off the health service, but my family's experience has been excellent.
Hope your daughter feels better soon.
Nov 5th 2006, 5:11 am
#4
Banned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,467
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Just had A&E experience in NZ so was curious to read of your experience in OZ. Hope your daughter is better soon 
.
My son who was taken by ambulance to the nz A&E here was treated really well .. I only have good to say of the nz emergency dept.
He also had a similar injury to your daughter in the uk a few years ago (he's quite accident prone) but have to say we were never questioned about his injuries at all.
.My son who was taken by ambulance to the nz A&E here was treated really well .. I only have good to say of the nz emergency dept.
He also had a similar injury to your daughter in the uk a few years ago (he's quite accident prone) but have to say we were never questioned about his injuries at all.
Nov 5th 2006, 5:34 am
#5
Still alive
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 28,994
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
When my son broke his fingers a few weeks ago the doctor here in Modbury Hospital (Adelaide) asked my son very matter-of-factly how it happened. We were in the same waiting area as a girl about the same age as my son who had also fallen from her bike but broken an arm. Doctor just said that at this age they're always falling off bikes or scooters, etc.
Most emergency doctors are trained to tell the difference between an accidental broken wrist and one caused by abuse.
Most emergency doctors are trained to tell the difference between an accidental broken wrist and one caused by abuse.
Nov 5th 2006, 6:09 am
#6
Back in OZ!
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 905
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Over the years I have been to PMH, Sir Charles Gairdner, Joondalup and Glengarry hospitals.
My favourite (if you could say such a thing) was Joondalup - however, it could have been because it was new at the time and I had my own room (and was just so happy to be over the operation that I was on a high).
I have only see a few hospitals in the UK (thank goodness) and our local is Ealing hospital - and quite frankly, the look of that place terrifies me....it just looks so dirty on the outside and on the inside, it is not much better. (I am sure it is clean....but it just looks old and in need of some TLC).
I had private insurance in Australia so saw both Medicare and Private treatment. My choice would always be private (if possible) as with Medicare, I found the waiting time to be excruiating.
I was 19 and had an ovarian tumour which needed operating on....I was so scared....(as you can imagine). The Specialist told me (in early Dec) that he could operate late February. Since the tumour had knocked into some nerves, I was in agony....I could not wait that long. I was just preparing to call around surgeons (wondering why I paid out for Private Insurance) when the specialist rang back and apologised, he said he had overlooked that I was private and therefore could operate pretty much any time and how did that weekend suit me?
Anyway, I am glad your little one is Ok!
Have some K and a cuppa [_]D
My favourite (if you could say such a thing) was Joondalup - however, it could have been because it was new at the time and I had my own room (and was just so happy to be over the operation that I was on a high).
I have only see a few hospitals in the UK (thank goodness) and our local is Ealing hospital - and quite frankly, the look of that place terrifies me....it just looks so dirty on the outside and on the inside, it is not much better. (I am sure it is clean....but it just looks old and in need of some TLC).
I had private insurance in Australia so saw both Medicare and Private treatment. My choice would always be private (if possible) as with Medicare, I found the waiting time to be excruiating.
I was 19 and had an ovarian tumour which needed operating on....I was so scared....(as you can imagine). The Specialist told me (in early Dec) that he could operate late February. Since the tumour had knocked into some nerves, I was in agony....I could not wait that long. I was just preparing to call around surgeons (wondering why I paid out for Private Insurance) when the specialist rang back and apologised, he said he had overlooked that I was private and therefore could operate pretty much any time and how did that weekend suit me?
Anyway, I am glad your little one is Ok!
Have some K and a cuppa [_]D
Nov 5th 2006, 7:59 am
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by Dorothy
Most emergency doctors are trained to tell the difference between an accidental broken wrist and one caused by abuse.
You'll also find that the nurses and the rest of the team are onto it as well.....noticing out of the corner of the eye what's going on in the waiting room etc. Ideally the child tells the story and answers the questions....what happened etc, with the parents filling in the bits. The kids' versions are great....eg i was on the trampoline and we were doing superman and then i saw harry flying the kite and the clouds were pretty and then i was on the ground..... ie the kid got distracted while doing one thing etc etc I love the way that they expect everyone to know who "Harry" is.
There are several types of fractures that are 95% caused by non-accidental injury. (ie child abuse)
Forgot to say: she'll soon be on the mend, dont blame yourself cos kids will be kids!
Last edited by Ozzidoc; Nov 5th 2006 at 9:22 am.
Nov 5th 2006, 8:20 am
#8
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Thanks for the good wishes folks.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
Nov 5th 2006, 8:48 am
#9
Melbourne Australia
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,169
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by NKSK version 2
Thanks for the good wishes folks.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
Nov 5th 2006, 8:58 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2004
Location: A land far far away
Posts: 1,149
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by NKSK version 2
Thanks for the good wishes folks.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
As you say though, they can land on their heads.
I have two boys (3 yrs and 17 months ) and another boy due February
so I'm staying put in Iluka - an 8 minute drive along Shenton to Joondalup Hospital!!!Wishing you all the best - don't beat yourselves up. We can all be holier than thou until it happens to one of our children.
I've been criticised for being overly careful, but still managed to leave my handbag on the floor with panadol sticking out of it, after dumping it just inside the door after shopping
Nov 5th 2006, 12:40 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Location: Bunbury WA
Posts: 1,844
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by The Jones Family
We have had to take our youngest son to Joondalup a couple of times.
I have found the care exceptionally professional at all times, yes and clean.
Children are always covered by Medicare I believe. When we were admitted (for a virus) I was asked if I wanted private or public. The only difference being that I would have had a private room. But, as my children are tiny I wouldn't consider leaving them on their own.
Same son took a nose dive off his mini truck recently (yes the guilt). We were assessed very quickly and taken through for Paed specialist also very speedily. The Doc did question me closely about the timing of the accident, where we lived (to see how long between accident and arrival at hospital) and did I witness it (no his Dad did, I was upstairs putting away the ironing )
She then apologised and explained that she had to ask these questions. Good for her, said I, keep asking.
I have had a baby in the private sector (SJOG) and my husband had a spinal operation at The Mount. Can't fault them.
I know people do slag off the health service, but my family's experience has been excellent.
Hope your daughter feels better soon.
I have found the care exceptionally professional at all times, yes and clean.
Children are always covered by Medicare I believe. When we were admitted (for a virus) I was asked if I wanted private or public. The only difference being that I would have had a private room. But, as my children are tiny I wouldn't consider leaving them on their own.
Same son took a nose dive off his mini truck recently (yes the guilt). We were assessed very quickly and taken through for Paed specialist also very speedily. The Doc did question me closely about the timing of the accident, where we lived (to see how long between accident and arrival at hospital) and did I witness it (no his Dad did, I was upstairs putting away the ironing
)She then apologised and explained that she had to ask these questions. Good for her, said I, keep asking.
I have had a baby in the private sector (SJOG) and my husband had a spinal operation at The Mount. Can't fault them.
I know people do slag off the health service, but my family's experience has been excellent.
Hope your daughter feels better soon.
PMH is Brill, where i work a young boy was run over and in a serious way, he was there 6 weeks, could not fault them.
Here in Bunbury, yesterday my son did a backward somersault into the pool [ I know dangerous, i am always telling him] well he landed on the edge on his head, chipped two teeth and a bad bang to the head, we took he straight to Aand E they where brilliant. Really reasuring as i was very worried.
Denise
Nov 5th 2006, 12:42 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Location: Bunbury WA
Posts: 1,844
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by The Jones Family
I think you can get really strong mesh that almost curves inwards onto the trampoline. Our friends have one and it's made in New Zealand.
As you say though, they can land on their heads.
I have two boys (3 yrs and 17 months ) and another boy due February so I'm staying put in Iluka - an 8 minute drive along Shenton to Joondalup Hospital!!!
Wishing you all the best - don't beat yourselves up. We can all be holier than thou until it happens to one of our children.
I've been criticised for being overly careful, but still managed to leave my handbag on the floor with panadol sticking out of it, after dumping it just inside the door after shopping
As you say though, they can land on their heads.
I have two boys (3 yrs and 17 months ) and another boy due February
so I'm staying put in Iluka - an 8 minute drive along Shenton to Joondalup Hospital!!!Wishing you all the best - don't beat yourselves up. We can all be holier than thou until it happens to one of our children.
I've been criticised for being overly careful, but still managed to leave my handbag on the floor with panadol sticking out of it, after dumping it just inside the door after shopping
I have 5 boys and one girl.You got a few to go to catch up to me, lol
Nov 5th 2006, 12:44 pm
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2005
Location: Bunbury WA
Posts: 1,844
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Originally Posted by NKSK version 2
Thanks for the good wishes folks.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
The fact that the two of us were in tears for most of the evening probably made the doctors realise that we felt complete and utter responsibility by not supervising her properly. Brings tears to my eyes just typing this....there's a lesson for you all - always, always, always supervise your kids on the trampoline. We were away for about 5 minutes. (scaling a bloody fish for dinner) - and only nipped inside because we had safety netting completely enclosing the trampoline and so felt that they were safe.
Thank God she didn't land on her head.
We cant wrap then up in cotton wool.
Denise
Nov 5th 2006, 3:43 pm
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Apr 2006
Location: Ballarat
Posts: 7,005
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
you have my sympathy, as my son has recently broke his arm. He told a porkie to us. He said he fell over a brick while running down the street.
In fact he was climbing a fence (a high one by all accounts) and fell off.
My hubby whisked him straight off to A&E and was seen straight away by a nurse. i think seeing a pale looking bloke(looking like he was going to faint) and a boy with an arm hanging funny did the trick.
Other than wanting to know what happened neither hubby or myself where quizzed too much
I hope your little girl is going to be okay.
We are back in hospital for another xray and full cast being put on.
im sure kids are sent to give us loads of worry.
Mandy
In fact he was climbing a fence (a high one by all accounts) and fell off.
My hubby whisked him straight off to A&E and was seen straight away by a nurse. i think seeing a pale looking bloke(looking like he was going to faint) and a boy with an arm hanging funny did the trick.
Other than wanting to know what happened neither hubby or myself where quizzed too much
I hope your little girl is going to be okay.
We are back in hospital for another xray and full cast being put on.
im sure kids are sent to give us loads of worry.
Mandy
Last edited by geordie mandy; Nov 5th 2006 at 3:47 pm.
Nov 5th 2006, 11:07 pm
#15
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 3,453
Re: Our experience of Perth hospitals
Trouble is, she didn’t lie – it was the two of us who were negligent.