Just checking if iabu before I kick off...

[TheSnootiestFox]

Is 4 and a half hours in an urgent treatment centre without being seen even for triage unreasonable for a 12 year old with a suspected broken foot? No pain relief, nothing and he's been crying and begging me for help for hours.....my blood is boiling but I just need a reality check before I decide whether to say something or not. Opinions please!

Is it really busy? Can you go check you've not been forgotten or ask for pain relief?

Don’t kick off but can you explain that he’s struggling with the pain?

No acceptable at all.

It's gonna be a long wait. NHS is on its knees. But your child should have been triaged at least, and painkillers given at that point.

I assume you've been and asked for pain relief and/or waiting time estimate? If so yanbu to be pissed off. 4 hours before triage is excessive (4 hours after, with pain relief, not so much)

Have you asked someone for pain relief?

Go and check you’re actually in the system at least….

What do you think kicking off will achieve? Don’t take your frustrations out on overstretched staff.

Of course this is unreasonable! Is it uncommon is another question- I despair at the state of things

There's "kicking off" and then there's kicking off. Being assertive and asking politely but with a tone of "child in pain over here" is different to being Angry Annie from Accrington.

Yes I am have for pain relief, and was told that he couldn't have any until he'd been triaged. Thanks for the replies so far. I just feel so helpless!

Agree with the above. Ask where you are in the queue and explain he needs pain relief. No need to kick off as such, just find out calmly what's going on. Its horrid seeing your kids like that, I hope he's sorted soon.

You wouldn't be unreasonable to be a bit more assertive and explain that you get they are busy but he really needs something for the pain.

Ask how long the wait for triage is? Please don't take it out on the staff, it's not their fault. They presumably know it's absolutely shit

Always ask for pain relief as ime they ask if they've had it - suggest they need it but never actually offer and you have to chase.

I've checked, and was told we were in the top 5 to be seen but that was an hour ago. And in answer to everyone asking what I want to achieve, people are walking in and being seen straight away because they rang 111 and 3 people have already loudly complained and then been seen. I would like my son not to be crying in pain and pleading with me to do something!

Go and complain OR ring 111 and queue jump...

It's 6 hours apparently, with no treatment tonight but an appointment time for treatment tomorrow.

He’ll be fine.

Fwiw I always go to a&e with suspected breaks/fractures (I don't think anywhere else has X-ray locally). They shouldn't need you triaged for basic meds like paracetamol. Ask again

I'm sorry your son is in pain but like any treatment centre it's seen in priority order not because they have had 111 pencil in an appointment for them. I do hope they see your son soon and he can get some pain relief.

Well I agree. I wouldn't be bothered about waiting for treatment for four hours but this is silly!

I guess it's wait and hold the fort , all the best op

I'm so sorry, that's absolutely shit, your poor son. I work in a similar setting. No words.

That's not what the poster on the wall says actually but OK....

Thank you x I just hate seeing him cry. He's a tough little cookie so it must be really bad....