Was Nurse being 'odd'?

[whistablenative]

Attended Minor Injuries today with Dd on advice of 111 (had called them as no GP appt for 'at least 3 weeks' & Dd has had an issue for 10 days already.

She is Autistic & has very lax & bendy joints ('hypermobile' type?) She often has a minor joint issue but it usually resolves quickly & stops aching after a day or so
This time it is still sore now. She finds it hard to describe pain but it's affecting her sleep, she is limping & has been in tears. When we met the Nurse I said that Dd was ASD & dx 'selectively mute' so I'd start off the conversation & she might be able to join in. The Nurse did a thorough examination & sent Dd for an XRay. She said that she would refer to Physio & 'try to do something today so you can get some rest before your exams next week'. All good.

We waited 90mins after Xray to be called back in (fair enough). Nurse then much less friendly. Said she 'couldn't see anything major so will refer to Physio'. Just needed Dd's phone number. Dd looked blank so Nurse asked again. Blank. I could see that Dd had shut down so I said probs best to use my number.

Nurse said NO - she is 16 so it HAS to be her own number or I can't Refer. So, we handed it over but Dd very upset outside & now wont turn her phone back on. (argh!) Does anyone else think it's a bit odd given her first (good) approach?

I would have just given my number and say we share the phone.
Could you contact the hospital back and say you realised you gave the wrong number and this is the correct one (ie give yours).

Nurse does sound impatient and not very understanding but unfortunately she is following the rules.

You’ll know for next time to just quote your phone number if they ask for hers.

At 16 she’s deemed an adult in her own right, unless she lacks capacity and you have a court appointed welfare deputy order.

Ridiculous, I know.

I had a similar issue with my DD recently, the GP wouldn't do a phone triage for her with a view to booking an appointment without speaking to her first. Apparently its NHS policy for patients over 12 years old. My DD isn't autistic but is very shy around unknown adults and wouldn't be comfortable discussing medical symptoms on the phone. There is a consent form I can fill in and get her to sign to say she is OK with me doing it on her behalf but I need to renew it every year.

@FionnulaTheCooler where do you get that consent form?
My autistic daughter has literally just turned 16 and I can see issues like the OP has being a thing.....
Thanks 🙂

From the reception desk at the GP practice.

@Needmorelego unfortunately Dd was holding her phone at the time so it was obvious she has one of her own or that would have been a great idea x

@Anewuser I don't have a Court appointed order no. I am her official Carer (DWP 'appointed' & deal with her DLA for her). She does 10 hours a week in School (with a teddy bear). She is very obviously not a standard 16 y/old.

But if the Nurse was following the Rules then that is correct.

@FionnulaTheCooler thanks 🙂

@whistablenative does seem the nurse was a bit of a stickler for rules 🙁
Hopefully it will get sorted and your daughter will get her referral 💐

I was wondering if I was reading too much into it as I have recently made a formal complaint about my treatment at the same (very small cottage) Hospital.
Sounds standard (& I was appreciative that she was offered an Xray & a referral)

I'm appointee for my autistic DS and never have any issue giving them my number or talking on the phone for him after saying He won't talk on the phone.
My local authority carers sent the doctors a form saying he couldn't communicate his needs so I do it all for him

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/gp-services-for-someone-else-proxy-access/#:~:text=This%20is%20sometimes%20called%20proxy,to%20help%20you%20with%20yours.

I wonder whether this could help?

THANK YOU @Anewuser that is really helpful.
I am in Scotland so hopefully it applies to NHS here.
(should do but I know lots of things are different including DWP things too)