In the context of my own perioperative nursing, a recent scenario highlighted
the effect a low socio-economic background can have on a child's health.
It was a simple case of a young girl missing her hospital appointment for
dental treatment under general anaesthetic. When her mother was called,
she apologised, saying she had forgotten and was currently at the Work and
Income New Zealand office trying to get money for petrol. The operation
had to be cancelled and re-booked. Many factors may have contributed to
the girl missing out on the care she needed, but perhaps the main issue is
that her dental condition required hospitalisation to begin with