"NHS in Crisis"

Had to call 999 as my 4 year old was having some kind of seizure due to high temp and he was reponsive. Even getting through to the ambulance service took longer than i thought it was . A technican was dispatched and arrived in approx 10 mins. During this time the telephone operator was on the line . Dispatch person brilliant and advised for son to be taken to be checked out. After waiting approx 30 mins for ambulance i offered to take him. The dispatch person wasnt keen in case anything happened on route, but on hearing the ambulances were all waiting outside hispitals felt it was the best option. The dispatch person followed me to ROH which i thought was great giving me instructions to put on hazard lights if anything occurred.

Arrived at approx 4.45pm was put in the childrens waiting room where there were at least 7 kids waiting. We were taken to a room after about 20 mins . The department was full and obviously was left to wait but i cant fault the staff they were all polite and i could see doing there best. They also reacted when my son became worse. After a few hours it was decided he needed to be seen by the Assessment team it was now around 9.30pm This department was quieter due to most kids sent home . I heard there that there were no beds in the ward anywhere but luckily for me we had a diagnosis and what treatment he needed. There was a nurse there who was great cos by this time we were exhausted and they offered drinks and some food for my son but they stood out for me.

My impression is that they are just overstreched and have to make decisions on bed capacity .

Keep up the good work