Lone parent with no childcare & dental hospital appt

[SparkleOwl65]

I need to cancel an appt at a dental hospital which is in a city 3 hrs away from me. Not meant to cancel more than once but I have done once before when I had covid. This time my childcare has fallen through and I don't have anyone to have 3yo for 12 odd hours. Don't have money for babysitter for that long. Will call first thing tomorrow but really anxious they're going to cancel my treatment (which has already been started) and I'm going to be left with a half treated tooth. They're really strict with cancellations, but equally they did say most of their patients are from the city they're based in so hoping they'll be sympathetic. Would you be sympathetic to me? Or would you just think I'm taking the piss? AIBU in thinking that being a lone patent throws up so much of these irritations? I'm really struggling with my lack of life atm!

The result will be a paramedic removed from a truck and potential operation cancellations if they then can't get cover. They just won't do it and they aren't obliged to. They then have to deal with their colleagues afterwards. I'm not going to beg or guilt trip them.

Instead of begging them to babysit, could you ask them to help you pay for an emergency nanny?

I can't. We don't have that sort of relationship. It will be held over my head. Just not an option.

Is there no other family around?

I'm going to phone the dental hospital in the morn and see if they'll be OK with it. If not I will do everything in my power to look at some of the suggestions on here. Apologies for the frantic thread I'm just really stressed out.

Absolutely nobody they all live 5 hours + away

Is it worth asking nursery again in the morning? Some of the children booked in might not attend due to sickness?

Can you do something like "sitters".

I'll call tomorrow but won't leave it until the day of the appt as feel it would be really shitty to cancel on the day

As pp said you could try sitters.co.uk to get someone in the city you are going to. They could take the child to a park or play area near the dental hospital then it would be many fewer hours than if you got care at home?

Is there a neighbourhood facebook group you could post in? I would look after your child in an emergency for example. My friend is taking her neighbour to hospital next week as a favour.

Yup since it's on London, it is easier. There are MASSES of people on sitters who will play in a park with your child for a few hours. This is definitely your best and cheapest bet.

I totally get it OP, childcare can be a nightmare at times.

I agree that childcare in London is your best bet. 3.5 hours to pay is far less than 12! Look at the places listed above before calling the hospital. Except I'd make it 4 hrs so you have half an hour to yourself (even sitting on a bench!) before the journey back with a 3 year old. Or a bit of time for a handover first and 15-20 mins to yourself after.

There are definitely sitters who can do this. Bring buggy and snacks. Not sure where the dental hospital is but maybe if you let Mumsnetters know they could recommend child friendly places in the vicinity. For example there's a park behind Great Ormand Street that adults are only allowed in if accompanied by a child!

Say you have covid.

You’d be even more annoyed if your child’s operation was cancelled because we can’t staff theatre.

I know it’s shocking but there are some jobs where a late notice cancellation of a shift is a major problem.

Do you think you can afford a sitter for a few hours in London OP? I think that might be the only option. I’m sorry you’re in this position.

Did you get it sorted?