Police help quell girl’s violent episodes amid healthcare’s ‘circular conversation’
A mother is desperately pleading for Queensland’s Health Minister to help secure a specialist appointment for her tormented daughter.
At just nine years old, Rose has meltdowns so explosive multiple police officers and paramedics are needed to pin her down for treatment.
Anna Dean is convinced her daughter is suffering from a neurological disorder far more severe than her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
But referrals to neurology specialists at the Queensland Children’s Hospital have been repeatedly knocked back, leaving the family nowhere to turn.
“It’s a mouse on a wheel,” Ms Dean told Mark Levy. “It’s a circular conversation with every medical professional that we’ve ever seen.
“I’m sure there’s plenty of parents out there that know there’s no waiting list for the waiting list when it comes to private treatment.”
Ms Dean said in the last month, she’s sent letters to every professional and decision-maker she could, but all have been in vain.
“It takes one person in a position of power and responsibility to take care of this little child.
“I can feel in my heart of hearts, … I know something is happening for her that is beyond normal or explainable without assessment.
“When we get her through this, she is going to be the one who changes the world, so we need to give her that chance.”
Press PLAY below to hear the heartbreaking interview in full
Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli told Mark Levy the family’s struggle is “soul-destroying”.
“The state of Queensland Health at the moment, make no mistake, it is in crisis,” he said.
“There’s nearly 250,000 Queenslanders not on the waiting list, but on the waiting list to get on the waiting list.
“That is alarm bells and when you see that, that’s how little girls fall through the system and don’t get the opportunity to see a neurologist to turn their life around.”
Press PLAY below to hear the Opposition Leader’s response in full
Image: Getty