Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take two year old to A&E if I can’t get through to GP?

63 replies

Readysetcake · 14/05/2020 14:28

WIBU to take 2 year old to A&E? Drs just rings and rings. He fell in the garden sort of landed on top of his foot (I didn’t see it DH was with him). But now can’t put weight on one of his ankles. It’s been like that since about 10 this morning.

He’s a bit grumpy but otherwise fine, apart from not being able to walk. There is no swelling that I can tell so not sure if A&E is over the top? Don’t want to go if not necessary and obviously don’t want to expose us to corona if we don’t have to.

What would you do?

OP posts:
TheoriginalLEM · 14/05/2020 14:29

Go to A&E or minor injuries if it has x-ray. Go now - I doubt it's busy.

DesmondTheMoonbear · 14/05/2020 14:30

Take him now. The GP can't x-ray it and a lack or swelling doesn't mean that it isn't broken.(Though hopefully it isn't)

12stepCAKE · 14/05/2020 14:30

Gp would be useless really he needs to go to a and e for an xray

JustOneSquareofDarkChocolate · 14/05/2020 14:30

Have you tried usual first aid like putting him in front of tv with foot elevated and an ice pack on it?

Original poster
Readysetcake · 14/05/2020 14:31

Just been cut off by GP after 30 minutes.

We don’t have a minor injuries unfortunately.

OP posts:
Herpesfreesince03 · 14/05/2020 14:31

A and e op. It’ll likely need to be x rayed whether he sees a gp or not

Embracelife · 14/05/2020 14:32

Of course. You have a 2 year old who cannot walk on his foot after an accident. Dont wait.

JustOneSquareofDarkChocolate · 14/05/2020 14:32

But just to add to what the other posters have said - GP won’t be able to help if it is broken. Only an X-ray can determine that.

womaninatightspot · 14/05/2020 14:32

I'd take him for an xray tbh.

Embracelife · 14/05/2020 14:32

Where no minor injuries a and e triage.

Original poster
Readysetcake · 14/05/2020 14:33

Tried tv and a sleep etc. He won’t tolerate ice at all.

Should we just leave him make him rest it and see how he is tomorrow?

OP posts:
bloodywhitecat · 14/05/2020 14:34

I did on Sunday evening after our three year old took a tumble in the garden. She's usually made of rubber but she didn't bounce back this time, she was tearful, unwilling to eat dinner (unheard of) and just wanted loads of love. When paracetamol had no effect I bundled her into the car and drove the 55 minutes to A&E where she bounced out of the car and tried to high 5 the nurse on triage with her poorly hand. Bloody kids. But yes, I would. Our A&E triage at the door and send you one of three ways, not covid, possibly covid or covid.

Original poster
Readysetcake · 14/05/2020 14:34

Sorry just seen a & e posts. That was my feeling DH desperate to avoid due to Cv.

OP posts:
WoodliceCollection · 14/05/2020 14:35

Yes, you should go to A&E! This is exactly what NHS staff mean when they are telling parents not to avoid taking children to hospital when necessary! It's not normal for a 2yo to be unable to walk several hours after a fall.
(Most hospitals are actually quieter than usual at the moment. But if you want reassurance that it's the right thing to do, phone 111 instead of GP first- they will almost certainly tell you to take him in though!)

bloodywhitecat · 14/05/2020 14:35

Please don't make him wait, take him today. It's not as scary as you think.

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 14/05/2020 14:36

I would try 111 first.

HelloDulling · 14/05/2020 14:36

GP will send you for an X-ray anyway. Might as well just go today. It won’t be busy, esp in paeds.

lydia7986 · 14/05/2020 14:37

Take him today. A and E is for accidents and emergencies. Your son has had an accident, so it is the appropriate place for him to be seen.

Even if you do get through to your GP surgery, they’ll almost certainly tell you over the phone To take him to A and E. I highly doubt they’ll be willing to see him - what’s the point when they can’t x ray?

Your risk of corona exposure is tiny. All the staff will be wearing masks and you won’t be anywhere near any of the covid patients.

Conversely, the risk to your son’s quality of life if he has a missed broken bone is extremely serious.

HollowTalk · 14/05/2020 14:38

My son broke his arm when he was that age and there was no swelling and little pain, actually. He just kept his arm up against his chest. I would take him to A&E - it'll be quiet now.

LolaSmiles · 14/05/2020 14:38

Usually sprains or possible fractures would be minor injuries or urgent care centres, but if you don't have those then go to A&E.

The NHS want people to use services who need to use them so apply the same logic that was on the 'choose right' campaign. That doesn't change because of Coronavirus.

bloodywhitecat · 14/05/2020 14:38

I would try 111 first.

I tried calling from the car on the way to A&E, there was a recorded message saying "This service is for the over 5s only", never heard it say that before.

DesmondTheMoonbear · 14/05/2020 14:38

Should we just leave him make him rest it and see how he is tomorrow

No. Take him today.

lydia7986 · 14/05/2020 14:39

Missing a broken leg is far more dangerous than a very minimal risk of coronavirus exposure, especially if nobody in your household is in an at risk group.

madcatladyforever · 14/05/2020 14:41

Go to minor injuries. I went the other day when I could not get hold of my GP for antibiotics.

NoClarification · 14/05/2020 14:42

My DD had a spiral fracture of her femur at 18 months. The only symptom was that she wouldn't weight bear. Otherwise no pain or swelling. Go to a&e!