"Health centre disapointment"

I am an older lady, while visiting my daughter in Croydon, suffered repeated extreme bouts of reaching and vomiting on an empty stomach, bringing up fluid only. I felt extremely ill, and was unable to keep down water. It went on repeatedly until 12 o'clock. I thought it highly likely this was winter vomiting virus as a baby in the family had had been ill also two days previously, but recovered quickly. In view of my age I phoned 111 for advice as my husband is not a good 'nurse' and didn't want to be dehydrated or get delirious.

The person I spoke to was pleasant enough, but unable to take any information other than in answer to specific questions, which I patiently answered, vomiting violently and repeatedly half way through, which he did not seem to be able to hear.

At the end of the assessment the advice was to go to a Health Centre in Central Croydon within two hours, which I took. It was understandably difficult getting bathed, dressed and into the car in my condition. The traffic was bad, there was no parking at the centre and we had to rummage for coins. There was an icy wind. It was a half hour round trip. On arrival at the centre I was told they had no slots today. I was directed to the Pharmacist who seemed very displeased at my presence and said I should have stayed at home, and the only help I could get would be prescribed drugs.

I think the system that produced this outcome is appalling, and potentially had a negative effect on both my health, and others' and put pressure on my husband and an overstretched health service.