Shannon Dunn, 39, was transported to the hospital by ambulance after he became sick and experienced difficulty walking.

After a cursory examination the doctor ordered Mr Dunn to leave, allegedly asserting “There is nothing wrong, you are only at the hospital to get drugs”.

A shocked Mr Dunn, feeling increasingly unwell, was left to find his own way home and walked all the way to shared accommodation in Cobra Street.

The next day Mr Dunn again presented to the emergency department in an ambulance. The same doctor once more assessed nothing was wrong and sent Mr Dunn packing. He again walked home to Cobra Street.

The following day a third ambulance trip resulted in action for Mr Dunn, when the severity of his situation was finally recognised.

He was airlifted to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital for multiple surgeries to treat abscesses pressing on his spine and groin.

When worried Royal North Shore staff telephoned Tracie Lane in Moree she was told her younger brother was close to death.

“Shannon’s life was in jeopardy because a serious infection had not been detected during two presentations at the Dubbo Base Hospital emergency department,’’ Mrs Lane said.

“I immediately travelled to Sydney and found Shannon attached to an array of tubes in the intensive care unit. Six days later he is still in intensive care and although his condition is starting to improve there are now fears he may not be able to walk.’’

Mrs Lane concedes Shannon has had a difficult and troubled life but “that’s no reason for Dubbo Base emergency staff to treat him like a dog”.

“He should have received the same care as any other human being,’’ Mrs Lane said.

“Shannon was dangerously ill, frightened, defenceless and alone but Dubbo Base Hospital showed no compassion or care. They didn’t listen to him because he is Aboriginal and a known paranoid schizophrenic who has had trouble with drugs.

“Ambulances don’t take people to hospital for nothing. Surely red flags should have been raised when he presented by ambulance two days in a row. Instead Shannon was ignored and as a result he nearly died.

“Mental health patients consistently get a raw deal and the situation at Dubbo Base Hospital stinks. A thorough investigation is warranted and I have already lodged a formal complaint. I won’t be satisfied until I see documented evidence detailing exactly what happened when Shannon presented at the Dubbo Base emergency department.’’

A spokesperson for Greater Western Area Health Service yesterday confirmed the treatment of Shannon Dunn was the subject of investigation.

An initial review of the situation has shown “the care of Mr Dunn was clinically appropriate at the time.’’

“Due to privacy legislation Dubbo Base Hospital is unable to comment on the specific details of Mr Dunn’s presentations to Dubbo Base Hospital,’’ the spokesperson said.

“Dubbo Base Hospital takes all complaints very seriously and is reviewing the concerns of the family.’’

heather.crosby@ruralpress.com