5 days for e mail response from Health Visitor

[Gillyweed001]

I emailed my health visitors office regarding an issue I was having with 12 week old ds on the 19th Dec. It was fairly time critical (regarding bowel movements) I had tried to call but no answer. Sent them an e mail to their e mail address as it tells me to do so in my red book if you can't get through. I still kept calling, and eventually spoke to some one on the phone, and the problem was sorted. Didn't mention to them that I had sent an email, as I forgot, as was too relieved that DS's problem was resolved.
Just checked my e mail today, and I have a message responding to my email of 5 days ago! They have requested I give them more information regarding his issue, if he is still suffering! Luckily he is not, but AIBU in thinking 5 days for a response is too long? If it is going to take them that long to answer, surely they should have an auto response answer advising answers may take up to 5 days?

I can only think they're short staffed and had no one in to go through the emails - but yes they should have an automated response sign posting where else you can contact if you have an urgent query.

Ywnbu to complain and constructively point this out to them (they should have it on voicemails too, there's no reason it shouldn't work when the line is engaged as well)

YAB a bit U, for anything time critical or a health issue you have doctors, nurses or NHS direct, they aren't really for urgent advice ime.

Emailing the health visitor is for non urgent issues. If you child is unwell make a Dr appointment or call nhs direct. Door send an email!

If its a time critical issue regarding bowel issues in a otherwise healthy baby then you have left it to long to ask for advice/ assistance thus letting it get critical.

Under those circumstances a doctor would be a better bet.

If it was that urgent why didn't you go to the GP or NHS 24?

I didn't speak to nhs direct as I eventually got through on the phone on the day, so it was all sorted on the 19th. It does say that you can e mail queries to my HV team. I just wasn't expecting them to take 5 days! Next time I will just keep calling till I get through on the phone to them, if I need to speak to them again.

omg just phone NHS direct. HVs have quite a lot on their plates. They attend to very sick people. Of all ages.

If you're worried in future, your GP is a much better bet

Most HVs are incredibly busy and stretched

Most of the time they refer you to a GP anyway

YABU - if I was emailing any healthcare professional I would use for a non emergency

Thank you for your answers. I'll do it differently next time.

Health visiting is not an emergency service, if you had pressing concerns you should contact your GP/NHS direct

Why on earth would you email an urgent health query ? That's what phones are for