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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take DS to A&E on the bus?

27 replies

micro4000 · 31/10/2022 19:46

First off, I'm not asking if I should take DS to A&E at all.

I'm a single mum to DS who is 2.5, since last Wednesday he has seemed to have a bit of an upset stomach (d not v) but he seemed fine in himself so I hadn't spoken to the GP, it had stopped by Friday anyway.

This afternoon, he's been crying on and off I assumed he may have been over tired as he didn't sleep very well last night. He refused to eat his dinner, he then had an upset stomach again and went to sleep until about an hour ago when he woke up crying and nothing would calm him down. I cuddled him and I noticed when touching his stomach he'd cry more as if in pain (he's speech delayed so can't tell me). He's had another dirty nappy since, I've just calmed him down as ive given him some calpol, his cheeks look very red and he feels warm to touch.

His dad is in and out of his life and probably wouldn't answer if I called him, and I'm not sure i’d want him to take us anyway as he was very abusive towards me before DS and during the pregnancy. I don't have any family/friends that could take us either.

WIBU to take him on the bus? I suppose at this time of night they wouldn't be very busy anyway but I'm still wondering if that's being U.

OP posts:
starpatch · 31/10/2022 19:48

Hi OP, I think its fine to take him on the bus. Hope it goes OK. Take lots of snacks :-)

Darbs76 · 31/10/2022 19:50

Yes no problem to do that, hope he’s ok.

underneaththeash · 31/10/2022 19:52

I’d wait til the morning and see the GP.

Fluffluff · 31/10/2022 19:54

I'd go for sure on the bus.
Hope he's OK

CatHatSat · 31/10/2022 19:55

Don't wait until morning, not unless advised by 111.

I have taken my DC to A&E on the bus before. Nothing wrong with it.

I hope he feels better soon.

reallyworriedjobhunter · 31/10/2022 19:58

Yes - absolutely fine to go on the bus.

brainstories568 · 31/10/2022 20:03

I live in London. Most people get to hospitals using public transport (or taxi) unless they arrive in an ambulance, including for a&e visits and/or when they're in labour.

I'd call 111 or the out of hours doctor though first before taking him to A&E as your first interaction with the NHS, because then if you do need to go to A&E you will likely be fast tracked through the priority system, and if he doesn't then you've saved yourself a LONG trip.

bloodywitchescat · 31/10/2022 20:07

I'd call 111 first, see what they say but yes, the bus is fine. I hope he's feeling better soon.

Thehop · 31/10/2022 20:09

Call 111 for advice first. Good luck x

LoveMyCats1 · 31/10/2022 20:11

Had to take my child on the bus to a&e a few times when couldn't afford a taxi it's fine.

parameter · 31/10/2022 20:14

Why would that be unreasonable Confused

MargaretThursday · 31/10/2022 20:21

I'd go by bus (I went into hospital to have dc#1 on the bus while in labour!) but do you have a friendly neighbour who'd take you (and even nicer if they will give you their mobile number for a way back). I've done that before now for someone who's knocked and asked and really don't mind in an emergency as people also did similar for me before we had a car.

MingoDringo · 31/10/2022 20:27

I would.

Justworkplease · 31/10/2022 20:31

I’d take him on the bus @micro4000 - don’t see anything wrong with that at all 👍🏻

Definitely sounds like he could do with being checked out. As others have said - call 111 first. It’s likely that he’ll be fast tracked through because of his age etc.

Hope he’s feeling better soon. Come back and let us know how he gets on!

notmyrealmoniker · 31/10/2022 20:36

Yes, go by bus, but be aware you may struggle to get back home. we used to give people bus fare in the morning if the didn't have the money. Don't feed him as he may need to be fasted until seen and diagnosed.

SheepDance · 31/10/2022 20:39

Yes, but if they discharge you in the middle of night, can you get home? You won't want to wait around for the buses to run again.
I'm not saying don't go to be clear- but just to be aware you may need a back up plan to get back again!

Cw112 · 31/10/2022 20:42

I'd be inclined to give out of hours gp a ring first and see what they say if they come back to you in a reasonable time. But yeah I think if you need to bring him in then bus should be fine as long as you don't think it's something very contagious.

SkylightSkylight · 31/10/2022 20:56

If I was your neighbour I'd happily take you, could you ask?

nothing wrong going by bus except that (here anyway) it's very much the scenic route and not as comfortable for you both.

as he's so little 111, might send out an ambulance or at least one of the paramedics in a car.

Hope it's just a bit if trapped wind or something xx

Hai2012 · 31/10/2022 20:58

I've taken my son to a&e on the bus.

Mariposista · 31/10/2022 21:04

No problem taking him on the bus if he really needs to go but is this really an A&E job?

SheepDance · 31/10/2022 21:19

Mariposista · 31/10/2022 21:04

No problem taking him on the bus if he really needs to go but is this really an A&E job?

How would OP know without having him seen? He's speech delayed and so can't tell her whats wrong.

suzyscat · 31/10/2022 22:01

I don't get why you wouldn't get the bus tbh, but I hope they're feeling better soon.

Darkstar4855 · 31/10/2022 22:09

It’s fine to go on the bus but I wouldn’t expect them to be “not very busy” as late afternoon and evening is usually the busiest time! So make sure you take supplies such as food and drink and can get home again if it’s the small hours of the morning.

Somuchgoo · 31/10/2022 22:12

I'd personally keep an eye on him overnight and try to get an emergency appointment with the gp tomorrow morning.

Medoca · 31/10/2022 22:32

It’s just a form of transport. No different that a car/cab etc. probably better as you won’t need a seatbelt pressing on the stomach. I took the bus to hospital with acute appendicitis, despite the GP offering an ambulance - I knew it would be quicker!!