Any A & E bods about - urgent?

[Notasunnydayhere]

Wonder if anyone can advise? DC has had to visit A& E twice in the last few days with neuro symptoms. Discharged twice without any investigations, despite worsening symptoms. Now back in A & E at another hospital (via ambulance as can't now walk - this is a sudden change). In 4 hours there's just been one 2 minute visit from an A & E junior. That's it.

After much pressure, the doctor gave in to DC's request for a scan, but said may or may not be today. This is a young adult who suddenly lost the use of their legs and is in a huge amount of pain. It could be a time critical issue. There's no neurosurgery or neurology dept at this hospital. DC also has a complex neurological condition which may or may not be related.

Anyway. My question is how to escalate? Who do they ask for, what can they do? Any help would be so much appreciated.

Just in case there are any Daily Fail journalists looking for an anti NHS posts to pinch, just don't.

Not a doctor but are they not considering cauda equina at all?

Does the patient have a consultant overseeing their condition? Could they ring their clinic a d ask for advice? Or at least go to A&Eat that hospital?

No. That's the worry.

DC can't go to 'own' hospital as they can't even sit up, never mind walk.

Ringing the clinic is a good call, maybe will try that. Thanks

Sorry, didn't mean to be sharp about own hospital.

I'm not in the country, but I can ring up. Ex NHS staff of nearly 30 years here, it's so awful now.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/sciatica-lumbar-radiculopathy/diagnosis/red-flag-symptoms-signs/

DC needs to wave the NICE guidance under their noses and say he wants to speak to an A&E consultant in the next hour about why cauda equina isn't being ruled out as a differential diagnosis,

Thanks for the nice guidance, will tell DD. No-one is even walking by, she's in a corridor.

If there is nobody with her to fetch a HCA or doctor, then she needs to start being vocal! Not rude but loud enough to get attention.

If that fails, I'd suggest she uses her mobile to telephone PALS.

CT is not usually the first line modality where cauda equina's really a possibility.

Thanks everyone, I've rung and been very firm (to say the least). She's apparently being seen right now as a result of my call I used to be proud to work in the NHS, so sad to see it in this state.

I take it your DD is under a neurologist if she already has a complex condition, any chance she can ring their secretary?

I have complex conditions and normally when a&e fail to help, they normally advocate for me or arrange to see me urgently/ admit.

Hope your daughter gets some answers.

She is under a neurologist, yes. She's emailed his secretary to say she's in A & E. Will see what transpires now she's finally been seen and tell her to phone them if things don't progress. I mentioned the NICE guidance too, so thank you for that, and all the other advice

I hope all goes well for you DD and she is in the mend soon

He needs to be seen urgently, this could be Guillain Barre syndrome.
Insist on seeing a senior doctor, don't take no for an answer

How are things?

Pretty desperate. Admitted on Thursday to a different hospital. Not been seen by a neurologist yet and still not had the scans her own consultant (at a leading neurology centre) requested last week.