Station 43
Ciaran Hughes
Age: 4 years old male
Patient
Patient's Story (Role player’s brief)
Patient’s Story
You are Rosemary Marshall, the mother of Ciaran Hughes, a 4-year-old boy. You have called today to discuss concerns about your son’s wellbeing.
Two weeks ago, Ciaran spent the weekend (two days) with his father, Andrew Hughes, as part of a court-ordered joint custody arrangement. When he returned home, you noticed a bruise on his left arm. Although the bruise has since healed, you are still worried. You’ve also observed that Ciaran appears visibly upset every time he returns from his father’s home.
You are deeply concerned that Ciaran is being mistreated, not necessarily by his father directly, but possibly by his father’s new wife. You separated from Andrew two years ago due to infidelity, and while you’ve confronted both him and his wife, they both deny any wrongdoing. Despite this, you strongly believe they are responsible.
You are especially worried because Ciaran is due to visit his dad again tomorrow. He goes to stay with his dad every two weeks for the weekend — from Saturday to Sunday — as part of a regular court-ordered arrangement. You do not want him to go this time, but you feel you cannot stop it because of the joint custody order. You are not sure what to do, so you are asking the GP for help and advice.
Social History: You live alone with Ciaran. He is currently attending school, and there have been no concerns raised by his teachers.
Pregnancy, Birth, Immunisations, Nutrition and Development: There were no issues during pregnancy or birth. Ciaran is up to date with his immunisations. He is eating well, growing normally, and meeting his developmental milestones.
Ideas: You believe Ciaran is being mistreated, possibly by his father’s new wife
Concerns: Ciaran is due to visit his father tomorrow, but you don’t want him to go, yet you feel unable to stop it due to the court-mandated co-parenting order.
Expectations: You want a GP report or letter that could help stop Ciaran from going to his father’s home, as you believe the visits are distressing and potentially harmful to him.
Say NO to any other questions asked outside of the details already provided in the scenario. Accept anything offered to you by the doctor.