"Baby sent home untreated from Heartlands Hospital"

NHS Direct called an ambulance on behalf of our 12 month old son who had difficulty breathing in the early hours on Christmas day.

The paediatrician made it clear he was unhappy the Paramedic administered a nebuliser whilst on route to the Hospital citing that it would not help. The paediatrician did some cursory checks (excluding family history) and concluded it was Bronchiolitis and that nothing could be done, he further advised that any home remedies such as vapour rub or steam would not help either. I was distressed for my son's well being but got no consolation was offered and my son was discharged.

It was clear to both my husband and myself that his health was further declining throughout the day so we felt it necessary to take our son to the Children's A&E Hospital, within just a few minutes of our arrival the doctor administered oxygen. Shortly afterwards he was given a nebuliser with Salbutamol with a steroid and his situation improved rapidly.

However the attending paediatrician felt it necessary to admit him for further treatment of hourly nebulisers and additional steroids. I am very grateful, and glad to say that whilst he has not yet made a full recovery the medication provided by the paediatrician at the Children's A&E has definitely made him less distressed.

In closing I am fraught with worry that had we resigned to the advice of the paediatrician at the Heartlands Hospital my son could have died.