Newcastle NSW, Australia - Questions are now being raised, as to how the John Hunter Hospital is being operated. After recent renovations, the hospital now lacks the funds to employ much needed doctors, specialists and surgeons. As the waiting lists continue to grow, the community suffers in need of medical attention. Even if the patient had the money for a specialist, the hospital cannot accommodate the patient nor the staff member. With these unfortunate events, it puts pressure on current medical staff to sustain patients in need of sustenance. It's times like these, where some people begin to take advantage of the health system or they abuse what support they receive.
In the Pre-natal stages, female nurses examine and perform ultrasound tests. If something were to go wrong, only then would a fully qualified professional take over the duties. Because of this, too few of the tests are being conducted. This also includes the compulsory blood tests, which all pregnant women must undertake. There are a variety of blood tests and for many different reasons. The test results show how far into the pregnancy the woman is and when she may be due. Her blood cell count, iron, iron deficiencies are also tested. One of the main blood tests that are performed, will show if the woman has been taking any drugs. If the woman's tests are positive for drug use, hospital staff must report it to the Department of Community Services (DOCS).
In late 2012, a young aboriginal couple registered and booked appointments in the maternity ward of JHH. Due to the lack of medical professionals, some of the duties were shared amongst staff members with years of experience. The young couple began missing appointments and then the woman began attending the hospital on her own, when she could be bothered. Run down and tired, she always had an excuse of why she wasn't able to attend the appointments of certain tests. These actions and excuses continued on for months. As the woman grew larger, so did her addiction for prescription drugs. Her drug of choice was the substitute drug for heroin, which is more addictive than heroin itself - Subutex (Buprenorphine).
The street name of Buprenorphine is Bupe, but more commonly known as Subutex. Subutex cannot be purchased over the counter, but a prescription is still needed. Chemists do not stock these types of medications, while only certain pharmacies are licensed to do so. The medication can only be prescribed by certain physicians and must be dispensed daily by the local health clinic. Or a qualified pharmacist, who's pharmacy is conducts business with those types of medications only.
With only weeks to go, medical personnel of the John Hunter Hospital have still not discovered the hidden addiction. Local members of their residing community reached out and offered their support. It has become confusing to some and they've began wondering "why would they say she wouldn't need to go on a program? Unless, the couple haven't told them". Friends of the couple were told "the hospital was informed and the drug-use was alright. I don't need to be on a program and my baby won't be sick".
A neighbour stated during an interview "I showed them the facts and what they will be going through. I explained how their baby now has a guaranteed problem, and will have to go on a program for drug addiction. Depending on how responsible the parent is, they must dispense the medication to their baby and hope to have them weened off within 6 months. The look on their faces explained it all, they weren't taking any notice of what research I had found. They were too busy watching their other three children, lazing about".
DOCS was contacted in mid December, 2012. The person who submitted the report, was shocked by the response they had finally received. "Due to insufficient information, we are not able to investigate all reports of child abuse or neglect. If further problems persist, please contact us immediately. If you are able to obtain evidence to help our investigation, please send it along with your report". When Lifeline, Child Services DOCS and other similar agencies aren't able to do anything or refuse to, the community is then instructed to contact their local ombudsman. The ombudsman of Newcastle was contacted with an attached copy of the report, previously sent to DOCS. A reply was received 7 days later, "we are not able to investigate these claims, please contact the Department of Community Services and Lifeline".
Society has always known there are problems with the health and legal system, but have always worked towards changing it. Education, health and the justice system are the three main issues in society. During the election period, Australian's vote for parliament members who vow to make the much needed changes. Once elected though, they have other commitments which they must attend to first. When this happens many Australian's feel let down, as they know nothing will come of pre-election promises.
There are many childless couples and families who are unable to conceive. Some have major complications during pregnancy and do not carry to their full term, while others try desperately to create new lineage. It is very disappointing to know there are people who take advantage of things that others cannot, it doesn't seem fair for those who suffer. When it comes to the well-being of children, they should be a number one priority.
A previous discussion amongst several world communities, opted for a bill to be passed in parliament. The bill would protect children and unborn babies, where they'd be removed from the dangerous family - permanently or temporarily. Although it seems similar to how DOCS conducts their investigations, this idea would give the child a chance a different way of life and what it has to offer.
It also gives their own family a chance to support them in a way where the child's own parents failed. There are many grandparents, aunties, uncles and guardians who watch family members go down hill. They try to help and offer support, but are usually told to "mind your own business". When it comes to family, it is the business of the older generations - they are a part of our past, they are the culture that represented us in a time of misunderstanding. Society today, has been through so much. But, there are still generations who live, that actually suffered in the past. With the experiences they endured, these are the same people who fought to make sure that we as a society, would have a better future.
