Not sure what to do if 111 aren't answering?

[dinoprincesses]

Been trying to get through to 111 for just over an hour now. DD (5) has had what we think was hand foot and mouth this week (it's been going around her school). She didn't feel particularly unwell with it she just had the spots which were itchy and a bit of a cold. She started with symptoms last Sunday.

Since last night she's not been herself at all, totally off her food (I've checked her mouth and all the spots have gone so I don't think it's to do with that), has a temperature on and off, just wants to lie down and is saying her neck really hurts when she moves. Surely this can't be hand foot and mouth still as I would expect her to be almost over it, not getting worse after almost a week?

I'm worried now as I think she probably needs to see a OOH Gp or a nurse but with everywhere so busy it's looking like we wouldn't even see one before our Gp surgery opens on Monday. I know it's a bit useless asking strangers on a forum but does anybody have any advice on what to do?

If her neck is hurting and she has a fever, I would be concerned that she has Meningitis. I personally would take her to A&E.

What @RedDiamond said.

I called 111 for DD a few days ago, and they called back nearly 48hs later. We were OK, but if there was a hint of something serious you can’t rely on it right now.

@RedDiamond the thing is her temp is coming and going and is not overly high. It's been at about 38 which is quite low for her as she normally runs a fever of 40+. Not sure if they would see her in a&e without a bad fever. She just isn't herself at all though which is worrying me

111 are overwhelmed so not worth bothering with at the moment

You know your DD best. If you are genuinely worried then take her to A&E or a walk-in service if you have one in your area

I would take her to A and E .. if 111 aren’t answering - the neck would concern me

Trust your instincts. If the neck is giving her pain when she moves it, it would cause me concern. If she is lethargic and does not like bright lights, then definitely take her.

If you call your GP surgery do they have a message leaving details for the ooh GP?

Otherwise a&e

The system is fucked, sadly

As someone who works in A&E they would definitely see her, especially with a painful neck.

If she's five, I'd take her down to A&E to be triaged.

Just take her to urgent care. I was on hold without speaking to a single person on 111 this week for 57 minutes. When they answered they said I couldn't speak to anyone clinical for 2hrs. We went to urgent care and were seen within the hour (they then sent us to A&E but that's not rhe point).

The system is broken. I'm sorry you're worried and the help that should be there, isn't.

Also, a&e can give her an appointment with ooh GP at the triage stage if they think that's more appropriate.

Go onto the website run through "the checks" it will tell you to go to A&E

I'd go to a walk in clinic, even if there isn't one local. The wait will likely be a lot shorter than A&E, even factoring in travel. Our one is staffed by GPs, and runs every evening until 10pm, and all day as well on weekends.

Good luck.

Have you tried nhs111 online ? It takes you through symptoms and recommends the appropriate level of care.

@LIZS I've tried but it doesn't seem to come
Up with the symptoms she has. If I put in a temp it doesn't come up with anything about a sore neck and if I do the sore neck symptom it just asks about injuries

111 are swamped.
EDs are swamped too but you are more likely to get a see and treat before a hear and treat today.
111 would likely refer you to an ED anyway so cut out the middle man and just go. Write off the rest of your day.

I spent 64 minutes hanging on 111 last Monday as unable to get docs appointment and had already gone to two pharmacies for help as had eye problems for a week. 111 did not answer.

On Wednesday went to local walk in centre and diagnosed with shingles. They were excellent, made appointment next morning at emergency eye clinic and have tablets and cream for eye. Have to go back end of next week.

Feel very scared about getting medical help in future with things as they are now.

Just in case the fact her fever isn’t very high is a big factor in your decision…the height of the fever doesn’t correlate with the severity of illness, it’s a common misconception that it does. The important thing is if the child has a fever or not. That’s from the NICE guidelines.

I had this with my son a few weeks ago , had cold cough , temp went high and started complaining of a sore neck.

When 111 called back they asked me if he could tuck his chin to his chest. Which he could. His glands were making his neck sore.
And also had to check for a rash