I've been on the phone to 111 for...

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

24 hours.
Except for one hour around 2am where I napped.

My daughter started with a cough and temperature yesterday. She's 6.

But before this she came out in a rash.
It covers her stomach and back. And now it is spreading up her neck and onto her arms.
She came out in this after starting new creams from the dermatologist, so I stopped the creams but it is still spreading.
I'm unsure if this is a reaction to the creams, a viral rash or something completely different such as scarlet fever.

I phoned the GP and asked for a phone call appointment. They refused advising me.to phone 111 (who I was on the phone to on the other line already) 🤦

What am I meant to do? If she has scarlet fever or something she needs antibiotics, but at the same time I don't want to infect anyone with anything that could potentially be serious.

Does she have any other corona symptoms. As the rash to me would indicate something different. Do you have an urgent care centre to call? Or use the online system?
Sorry I can't offer much help, but I would consider a trip to A&E as she's so young. I wish you well.

The online service said we need to call 111

I agree the rash makes me think it isn't Corona. But GP surgery has said we must self isolate.

Do you have money for a private GP?

I don't even have money for toilet roll. Not that there is any to buy anyway.

I would say A&E for this - really hope you get seen. Does your hosp have a paediatric A&E so you’re not sat in a huge waiting room?

How is she in herself? I think with scarlet fever you're very unwell.

Presumably you've done the glass test to check that the rash fades when pressure is applied? If it doesn't then its an A&E job.

I would be driving straight to A&E.

I've done the glass test.
She varies. At points she's very lethargic and curled up on the sofa. Others she's fine, like now she's laughing her head off playing with mermaid Lego. She's not wanting to watch TV as she says it gives her headache, but she's eating ifneyand even asked for Hobbit breakfast (a slice of toast after her usual breakfast. She likes LOTR and wants to be a Hobbit)

Does the rash feel like sandpaper? Check her tongue, is it red and strawberry-like?

DD had scarlet fever when she was little and that’s what the nurse spotted - I thought she had an infected graze (she did actually, but it was a red herring!) She had a temperature/ sickness, sore throat and dry cough plus the rash and tongue.

I’m so sorry I have no idea what else you can try other than A and E - paediatric nearby?

Oh god. Sorry for typos. Hopefully you all know what I mean.

I don't drive. It would mean a taxi. Which I can't afford, especially as I need someone to care for my other 2 kids .

Tonsils are swollen. White at the roof of her mouth but tongue quite red. Rash is very rough to touch.

Might be bacterial tonsillitis. What is your GP position re urgent care / out of hours?

Sounds very typical of scarlet fever. Ring the GP back and tell them you're concerned it's scarlet fever but don't know for sure. They should offer a telephone consultation. Look at NHS website for scarlet fever.

I've to phone 111 and see if it's safe to take her
Everyone and everything is telling me to phone 111 but that's no good if you can't contact them.
I understand they must be absolutely overrun with people phoning, but 24 hours is just silly.

Forget 111 - you’ve tried that for 24 h to no avail. What about GP - can you push for a telephone appt so you can report her symptoms to an actual doctor?

I don't drive. It would mean a taxi. Which I can't afford, especially as I need someone to care for my other 2 kids

Well what are you going to do if they tell you to bring her in?

Could you call your GP surgery and ask for advice? A local pharmacy might be able to help? Sounds like scarlet fever to me with the red tongue etc. But has she had a sore throat?

No sore throat.

As for what I'd do if told to take her in, explain that I was unable to get there. They ask if you can get to these places. I'm sure there must be plans in place for if you can't.

GP just keeps palming me off to 111. I've tried them repeatedly. (4 times)

I would call gp back and explain you can’t get through to 111 and she’s getting worse.
They will have to see her.
Failing that, it’s a&e.
Can you get someone to stay with your other dc?

Hoping you get sorted and she’s on the mend soon xx

Have you other local gp surgeries? If so ring them up, ask for an appointment and explain you will fill in a registration form just before the appointment. It literally takes minutes to put someone on the system. Stress the rash symptoms etc.

Or A and E

If you get an appointment, you may find a taxi company will be willing to take you in these exceptional times, or least a nominal fare.

The only other go surgery which I'm able to get her too has just merged with mine and closed down one of the sites.
I'm physically disabled and use crutches to get about, so I can't go too far, as I can't walk far even with the crutches.

I know it's a long shot and may not be possible but could you ask your surgery if you could take a good photo of the rash and email it to them on this occasion only? I would understand if they won't because emails are only used for contacting departments within the NHS as they don't want people emailing them willy nilly. Hope your little one is soon on the mend.