My 19 month old had been unwell with a temperature, my doctor said that if temp goes above 39 for a period of time to take action. Two days later his temp rose to 40. 5 so I rang 111 as it was after surgery hours and they instructed me to go to A & E, we did and the Nurse we first saw said that they aren't concerned with temperatures there, just the cause and looked shocked that we had gone for that reason.
When I explained about what the my Doctor had said, the nurse said 'we love GPs here' and about 111 it was said that they will always send people to A&E as they can't see the patient. I explained that I had been told my son had a throat infection as diagnosed by my doctor two days before. My son was given paracetamol and we waited for two to three hours to see a Doctor. In this time his temperature was still high but he was much brighter than when we arrived, we eventually saw a Doctor after my husband said that we were going to take him home as he was unwell and very tired. The Doctor listened to his chest and checked his skin etc but did not examine his throat or ears and sent us home to continue given Paracetamol and Ibuprofen alternately as he had a viral infection.
The day after his temperature rose again to 40. 5 and we took him to my local Doctors where he was diagnosed with Tonsillitis and sore but not inflamed ears. Now he has the correct medication and managed to eat for the first time in 4 days.
Good: 111 gave good advice, Receptionist Friendly on Arrival, The paracetamol dose given was based on my sons weight so a greater dose than can be given at home
Could have been Better: Nurses attitude should have been better, Doctors examination should have been more through. Listen to Mum and Dad as they know what's normal with their child. Try and deal with babies/children quicker.
How did you feel about the care: Nurse initially made me feel wrong for taking my son to A&E for a just a high temperature, despite agreeing it was very high
"My 19 month old son's A&E visit "
About: Broomfield Hospital / Accident and emergency Broomfield Hospital Accident and emergency Chelmsford CM1 7ET
Posted by Emslie (as ),
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