Plenty of smiles for mum and bub being cared for at Bunbury Regional Hospital
After welcoming her son at Bunbury Regional Hospital in December last year, Julie found herself navigating an unexpected emotional rollercoaster.
With time spent in the Special Care Nursery, before a Royal Flying Doctor Service transfer to Perth Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Julie said she was glad to have the WA Country Health Service team there every step of the way.
“He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder,” Julie said.
“We now attend Bunbury Regional Hospital once a week for his medications to be administered, as well as his immunisations, so we’re getting to know a lot of the team on the Paediatric Ward.”
As a mother, Julie knows too well the discomfort that can come with taking a child for vaccinations, but with the Bunbury Hospital team, she says she never has to worry.
“Taking a baby for needles is not always a pleasant thing but with this experience, he was smiling and giggling at the nurses – which made a pleasant experience for both me and him,” Julie said.
“When you go in there, the team are really good at making an effort to make it less scary for the child.
“As his mum, I am treated with understanding and compassion – the staff check in on me regularly as well – above and beyond their requirement of care.”
Julie says she can’t speak highly enough of the “whole crew” and singles out Dr Sanjay, nurses Nat, Matt, Mia and Jasmyn and Patient Care Assistant Sue for special mentions.
At the heart of the service is a wraparound approach to care – supporting parents through their children’s healthcare journey alongside their little ones.
“What could easily feel like another painful hospital visit is instead made to be a safe, welcoming and comfortable experience because of the people who work there,” she said.
As the mum of a child requiring ongoing medical care, Julie is the first to acknowledge that healthcare is about more than the treatments.
“The genuine affection the team have for my son is what stands out the most; they don't just remember his name – they remember him as a little person.”
She holds a firm belief that the Paediatric Ward team’s qualities of “connection and compassion” make families like hers feel cared for during vulnerable moments.
“Those moments mean more than they probably realise.”
For Clinical Nurse Manager Paediatric Unit Jemma Giltay, feedback like Julie’s reminds them of the positive difference they are making for South West families.
“Hearing that our nurses made such a positive difference through their kindness, compassion and patient-centred care is incredibly rewarding,” Jemma said.
“Every member of our team goes above and beyond to ensure children and families feel safe, supported and cared for during their most challenging times.
“I am deeply grateful for the commitment our staff show every day, and we sincerely thank the family for taking the time to share their beautiful feedback.”
Looking for a team that values creating safe and caring environments for patients?
Visit jobs.health.wa.gov.au and search for WA Country Health Service.