Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set Product Review

Hello!

Average Ratings (from 54 ratings)
Overall star Rating
I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store
Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set :
4.71 out of 5 based on 54 reviews.

Record a video Review

Welcome to the Oates Space Save Dustpan Set Review!

Whether you’re a mum to an adorable little fur baby or gorgeous human baby, we all know that life can get a little messy.

That’s why we’re so excited to bring you the Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set review, because whatever mess you’ve got – big or small – clean up is easy with Oates!

Whatever way you look at it, life gets messy and rather than stress, Oates wants you to look for fun and laugh at the mess (#LaughAtTheMess) … the Oates Space Saver Dustpan can help with the little messes around your home so it’s clean and tidy … even if only for an hour.

What’s great is that the Oates Space Saver Dustpan set has a larger size pan than most dustpans. It also has side ridges to conveniently and effectively clean the brush and remove hair (there’s nothing worse than an old dustpan full of hair and fuzz … we’ve all been there).

The Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set brush features an in-built rubber blade and flagged bristles for optimal cleaning. The electrostatic properties of the rubber edges attract and trap more dust and fine particles. The dustpan also has a unique freestanding design that saves cupboard space and keeps storage neat and tidy.

The Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set has lots of great features, including:

  • A freestanding design that saves cupboard space
  • An in-built rubber blade in the brush and flagged bristles for optimal cleaning
  • A larger size pan with side ridges to effectively clean the brush and remove hair
  • And electrostatic properties in its rubber edges to attract and trap more dust and fine particles

Where can I buy the Oates Space Saver Dustpan Set?

The Oates Space Saver Dustpan set is available at Bunnings Warehouse.

Oates cleaning review sign off banner


Published 3rd August 2019


  • Glitter cleaner

    Yes this Oates spacesaver dustpan totally works. The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes and I literally just cleaned up glitter on my floor using this dustpan. The front strip is still glittering but it did help with picking up most of the glitter off the floor. Yep I will be buying this again.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So good

    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is such a great cleaning tool. It is easy to store and so very easy to use. The quality of the rubber strip is so good. It helps with pickup of dust right into the pan in one stroke. I am super happy with it. I do know it's on the expensive side as compared to the $1 dustpans, but this is like a one time investment. It is great quality, thick and durable. Highly recommended. Go for it.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • best one ive tried

    This Oates dustpan is seriously the best one I have tried. The strip at the bottom actually gets the dirt into the dustpan instead of underneath it. It makes it so much easier to sweep up dirt. Being an Oates brand you also know its great quality and wont break within the first couple of uses. I will never buy any other dust pan again.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • It does what I need it to do

    I don’t often use dustpans, I am more of a mop and vacuum cleaner girl however it has really helped when I can’t just vacuum a mess or if the kids have spilt something I don’t want to damage the vacuum with.

    It’s sturdy and durable and you can even use it when all of the kids are in bed without the risk of waking the little tornadoes
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Great, even the kids can use it

    Yes I love this dustpan and so does my son. It's great that he actually gets excited to clean up the mess he has made. It's chunky enough for him to use but not too heavy that he can't hold. I'd recommend this to any parent who wants to clean quickly and efficiently. It has a nice fit against the floor and captures all the crumbs easily.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So impressive!! Worth the money!

    I have only ever owned a $1 cheap dustpan and broom set because I figured they were all the same but wow I was wrong!

    I was so impressed by this, dare I say I actually had fun sweeping with it!

    It’s solid and sturdy, and the dustpan stops dirt from being swept underneath it.

    It has a section where you can clean the broom and it has a rubber piece in the middle of the bristles which helps trap the dirt too.

    The kids loved having a turn with it too.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Easy to store!

    Living in a place with limited storage, this little gem fits perfectly in our household! The freestanding design makes it easy to store away. Its great quality and the pan itself is sturdy and with the high edges, debris stay inside the pan easily .

    Great product and I think all households should own one! Hands down the most practical dustpan I’ve come across. Easy for littlest hands to help out too :)
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So Much Better Then The Rest

    WOW... This Oates Space Saver Dustpan is really great. I do like the feature of it being able to stand upright by itself. Great for small spaces. The high edges of the pan allows you to sweep and carry more stuff, without it falling out.

    The rubber edge works so much better then my current hard plastic pan, with getting the ALL the small dirt into the pan with ease.

    Overall a great product. Makes cleaning floors more enjoyable, if I do say so myself. Would recommend getting this to anyone looking for a Dustpan Set.

    #mouthsofmums #momreview #momreviewsoates #oatescleansbest
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Love it will be buying another.

    We LOVE the Oats Space Saver Dustpan we have been through a lot of cheaper dust pans over the years that never last or keep the dust and dirt in the pan. We love how that it isn’t made from the weaker plastics the snap easily and how it has a deeper pan. We will be recommending this dustpan to all of our friends and family.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Dustpan space saver that keeps what it sweeps

    We have all had those dustpans that never seem to pick up every little piece of dirt off the floor, after trying to sweep it up continuously but don't have the time to battle your dustpan so you try to pick up all the little pieces with your hands, this becomes hazardous when it is required to pick up items such as broken glass, etc. Well not any more, I found a savior in the Oates Space Saver Dustpan, after an incredible sweep with the triple action flat mop, I was able to pick up everything off the tiles with this dustpan, there was not a single piece of mess left. the deep sides of the dustpan ensure the mess will not fall out and the bristle of the brush are firm yet flexible enough to ensure the capture of even the smallest dust bunny. I have since thrown out my old unbranded dustpan and use the Oates Space Saver Dustpan. For its efficiency, easy grip and great value, I recommend this product to others as well as the greatest possibly to repurchase this item.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Kiddo helps

    Because we've been home schooling my son, it gets really silly sometimes trying to choose what else can he do. So I came up with this imaginary play and asked him if he'd like to help an old lady... Lol he said yes and there U go. He literally cleaned up the whole balcony using this amazing Oates spacesaver dustpan. He had so much fun. I guess I've got help now. Love it
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Glitter cleaner

    Yes this Oates spacesaver dustpan totally works. The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes and I literally just cleaned up glitter on my floor using this dustpan. The front strip is still glittering but it did help with picking up most of the glitter off the floor. Yep I will be buying this again.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Space saver

    Yes so I would recommend the Oates space saver dust pan to others and have already done it to my friends and family members here. Special note to how easy it is to use. The design and the front strip seem perfect for me as I don't have strain too hard to get the cleaning done on the floor. I happily use my Oates spacesaver dustpan and never get tired of it. Highly recommended for a great quality. A bit expensive but nice.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • My go to

    The Oates spacesaver dustpan is lovely. I have 3 at home. One for the floor, one for the kitchen bench and one for everything else.

    It is sturdy and durable. you can even use it for all those little wall skirtings. It does a great job picking up crap from the sides. It is my go to for any kind of cleaning. The front strip is just awesome. Does a great job.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So good

    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is such a great cleaning tool. It is easy to store and so very easy to use. The quality of the rubber strip is so good. It helps with pickup of dust right into the pan in one stroke. I am super happy with it. I do know it's on the expensive side as compared to the $1 dustpans, but this is like a one time investment. It is great quality, thick and durable. Highly recommended. Go for it.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • best one ive tried

    This Oates dustpan is seriously the best one I have tried. The strip at the bottom actually gets the dirt into the dustpan instead of underneath it. It makes it so much easier to sweep up dirt. Being an Oates brand you also know its great quality and wont break within the first couple of uses. I will never buy any other dust pan again.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • It does what I need it to do

    I don’t often use dustpans, I am more of a mop and vacuum cleaner girl however it has really helped when I can’t just vacuum a mess or if the kids have spilt something I don’t want to damage the vacuum with.

    It’s sturdy and durable and you can even use it when all of the kids are in bed without the risk of waking the little tornadoes
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Great, even the kids can use it

    Yes I love this dustpan and so does my son. It's great that he actually gets excited to clean up the mess he has made. It's chunky enough for him to use but not too heavy that he can't hold. I'd recommend this to any parent who wants to clean quickly and efficiently. It has a nice fit against the floor and captures all the crumbs easily.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • The bees knees of dustpan and brushes

    We've been using this dust pan and brush for a while now and still love it as much as when I first used it. Grips nicely to the floor so you don't lose any dirt under the pan. Also the brush has a plastic blade which helps to push the dirt into the pan. Easy to clean hair off the brush with the teeth on the dustpan too. Would highly recommend.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Handy sweeper

    This dustpan did what it promised to do. It picked up the dirt of my floor. When I saw dust bunnies had collected on the brush's bristles, I was able to remove them easily by running the brush over the bumpy edge of the dust pan. The rubber blade made sure that no dirt escaped under the dust pan. I like that the brush handle fits snuggly into the dustpan handle. This is a handy and effective dustpan and brush :)
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • I wish I had one sooner!

    I absolutely love the Oates space saver dustpan set! I use it all the time and find it to be so useful, super easy to use and it also holds a lot of volume which is great and means less trips to the bin. With a toddler, a 9 year old and a cat I’m constantly cleaning up messes but having this dustpan means less times using the vacuum as this is simply for cleaning up small messes. I also have a cheap $2 dustpan which I find doesn’t pick up all of the mess on the floor and gets stuck on the edges of the rim, with the Oates space saver I haven’t had that issue and find it to be extremely effective!
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Quidditch Oates Golden Snitch

    After flick and swish with my Oates mop, I needed to follow through with my Space Saver Dustpan Golden Snitch. The dust really collects in the Castle. Especially with 7 Gryffindor's in the house.

    Dustpan was easy to use and empty. Even the youngest wizards can use it. It's now hiding away until next Quidditch Game
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So impressive!! Worth the money!

    I have only ever owned a $1 cheap dustpan and broom set because I figured they were all the same but wow I was wrong!

    I was so impressed by this, dare I say I actually had fun sweeping with it!

    It’s solid and sturdy, and the dustpan stops dirt from being swept underneath it.

    It has a section where you can clean the broom and it has a rubber piece in the middle of the bristles which helps trap the dirt too.

    The kids loved having a turn with it too.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • It has teeth!

    My initial reaction, OH MY GOODNESS it has teeth! I’m pretty sure I went to housewife heaven the moment I saw this. Let’s face it, I am a mum but I definitely don’t have the strongest stomach so touching things like built up dust or dirt on my brushes just isn’t up there with my favourite things to do. The fact I don’t need to touch that stuff anymore, it’s like Christmas has come early!!!
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Love my new dustpan & brush

    At first I was a bit unsure if this was going to be worth its price however after using it a few times I definitely believe it’s a good purchase. I love it’s freestanding design - makes for easy storage. I love the wide pan and the high quality materials used to make both the pan and the brush. It’s great for cleaning quick messes up (which is all the time with a baby ????) and I use this product multiple times a day and love it!
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • How did I not know about the pan sooner?!

    This dust pan is the best of the best. I’m forever cleaning food crumbs off the floor, this pan picks all of the crumbs up in one go unlike other ones I’ve used. I like that the brush has rubber in the middle making it easier to pick the dirt up. Also like that the pan is wider aswell.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • A must have!

    Every house needs a dustpan. I used to think the vacuum cleaner could suck everything up - but it can’t. Not so those bits of food that your baby or toddler throws on the floor. Which is where the dustpan comes in. It’s easy to grab and sweep up all those messes. The Oates dustpan is easy to hang in the broom closet and the ridges on the side are great to clean the bristles out of anything that gets stuck.
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Easy to store!

    Living in a place with limited storage, this little gem fits perfectly in our household! The freestanding design makes it easy to store away. Its great quality and the pan itself is sturdy and with the high edges, debris stay inside the pan easily .

    Great product and I think all households should own one! Hands down the most practical dustpan I’ve come across. Easy for littlest hands to help out too :)
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • Sturdy, Easy to use & a Quality Product!

    Oates Space Saver Dustpan is a must have in a house with kids! The amount of things that have been accidentally broken or dropped! This Dustpan is perfect for any surface with its rubber edge and its strong bristles. It’s Also Freestanding saving space on the Cupboard!

    Would highly recommend this Dustpan to anyone!
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store


  • So Much Better Then The Rest

    WOW... This Oates Space Saver Dustpan is really great. I do like the feature of it being able to stand upright by itself. Great for small spaces. The high edges of the pan allows you to sweep and carry more stuff, without it falling out.

    The rubber edge works so much better then my current hard plastic pan, with getting the ALL the small dirt into the pan with ease.

    Overall a great product. Makes cleaning floors more enjoyable, if I do say so myself. Would recommend getting this to anyone looking for a Dustpan Set.

    #mouthsofmums #momreview #momreviewsoates #oatescleansbest
    I would recommend Oates Space Saver Dustpan to others
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan is great for sweeping up small messes
    I am likely to buy an Oates Space Saver Dustpan now when I next shop for a dustpan
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to use
    The Oates Space Saver Dustpan was easy to store

Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Topics

Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.

What if I’m overreacting?
What if I’ve got it wrong?

So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.

It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.

Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise

According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.

“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.

Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital

While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.

So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.

“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.

Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone

A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.

You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.

Leticia gets it.

“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”

But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.

Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.

“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”

Remember, we know our children better than anyone.

What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process

If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.

Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
  2. Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
  3. Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.

You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.

What should you actually look out for?

Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.

Things like:

  • Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
  • Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
  • Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
  • Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
  • Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
  • Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse

And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.

That’s enough.

“You are helping us, not bothering us”

If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.

“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.

“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”

The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.

“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”

And if you’re still worried about being judged?

“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”

Find out more, visit health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with NSW Health to bring you this important article.

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.

    Reply

  • This is so true from my experience over the years.
    No matter how wonderful the medical team is, if you have any doubts speak up as a mother knows her child better than anyone.

    Reply

  • Yes and amen to this article ! I agree with always follow your gut, you know your child like no one else does. In fact you are your child’s expert and should never stop advocating for them or speaking up. Sometimes professionals are very good in waving concerns away, all it takes is a human who listens

    Reply

  • Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.

    Reply

  • And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!

    Reply

  • We need more articles like this one. It is important for us to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones in any situation and work with professionals.

    Reply

  • I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.

    Reply

  • You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.

    Reply

  • A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!

    Reply

  • Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
    So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.

    Reply

  • This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.

    Reply

  • It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.

    Reply

  • How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!

    Reply

  • This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.

    Reply

  • This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.

    Reply

  • I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.

    Reply

Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join