That the gp should be more concerned

[poorlybaby23]

I'll start this off by saying I know that Primary care is overwhelmed at the moment.

I've got a 6 month old who has this dreaded virus that's going around, I think. Been poorly for well over a week, hacking cough that brings up mucus. Now refusing any milk, so far today has had 3oz. Usually has around 6x 7oz feeds a day. Very sleepy and seems unable to hold their head up. Inconsolable crying all night and most of the morning. Called the doctors and the receptionist said that we couldn't go on the duty list as it's probably just viral. I pushed at this point as 1. She isn't medically qualified 2. My baby is deteriorating.

Still waiting on a call back, I'm unsure whether to go to A&E as I'm starting to get concerned. Aibu if they don't call to lodge a complaint?

Forget the GP. Grab your stuff and go to A and E now.

I'd go to A&E with a young baby with those symptoms. But yes, a complaint is in order when your baby is better.

Have you taken his temperature?
I would call 111 first as they can make an outpatient appointment without you having to go to A&E

I'll do that, I always second guess my gut and think A&E is the last option. Thank you for confirming my gut feeling.

I agree, A and E with a baby. Hope she/he is better soon op .

Straight to A&E with a 6 month old as you describe.
It likely is viral but that doesn’t need they don’t need urgent assessment.
Once baby has been seen, discharged home safe etc feed back to the surgery please! Anywhere I’ve been a poorly child under one or two would be squeezed in on the day.

Floppy baby a&e

That's appalling our gp see all under ones same day. But yes I'd go a&e hope everything is ok

A and e definantly - the floppy head is a reason alone.

And then when you have time, complain to the practice manager at the surgery. The receptionist should not be diagnosing your baby’s illness.

When I worked at a GPs a few years ago, we were given strict instructions that babies should be seen that day, and we could unblock and use any kind of appointment slot to make that happen. Definitely complain to the practise manager when little one is feeling better!

A baby that age that's refusing feeds and can't stay awake definitely needs a&e, go right away. Let us know how you get on op. Some of these doctors receptionists get on my nerves when they try and diagnose people, why aren't they the ones in the consulting rooms, because they're not qualified!

GP’s are not an emergency service. So a same day call back/review is ideal but it could be hours later. I agree all kids should be seen same day, but the onus is on parents who are concerned about a sick infant to take them to A&E if very concerned and they cannot wait to be assessed.

so I wouldn’t complain about the time taken to call back but I would feedback about receptionist. Most surgeries have a policy seeing all acutely unwell under 1’s the same day.

Just go to a and e

I'd be "retraining" a receptionist who said that. Our reception err on the side of caution and add to the duty list. Some inappropriate cases but you can only say that in retrospect so much safer to phone/see.

Do you have an urgent treatment centre locally? They are usually a shorter wait than a&e and should be able to help. If not then go to a&e.

It COULD be viral - RSV or something similar. It still needs seeing! The receptionist should be ashamed. I’m glad you’re going to a and e (I’m a paeds nurse)

I’m a nanny, go to a&e.

I could’ve written your post exactly one year ago today (albeit vomiting and diarrhoea along
with hacking cough, lethargic and sunken eyes). My GP told that it was late in the day (5:30pm) and there were no appointments left for the day so to call back in the morning or better still wait outside the practice at opening to guarantee an on the day appointment. I called 111 who referred us to A&E that night. After some fluid therapy and diarrhoea relief all was okay. I then made a complaint against the GP practice for allowing a receptionist to triage. I would definitely go to A&E in your situation.

Don't be such a rude mare. She's going to A&E.

Jesus.

When my DS were babies, 20 and 25 years ago, GP's would take problems with under ones very seriously and they would be seen asap. Sounds like another standard that has been let slide. Family members in NHS have taken early retirements (midwife and practice nurse) as now finding it an unpleasant working environment - overworked and overstressed - and another member who works in a hospital laboratory is seriously considering leaving, but can't really afford to.

Go to A&E, feeds have reduced far too much. Hope all goes well.

I called 111 who referred us to A&E that night. After some fluid therapy and diarrhoea relief all was okay. I then made a complaint against the GP practice for allowing a receptionist to triage.

But that sounds as though you didn't need A&E, just to give baby dioralyte and fluids?

Go to a and e floppy baby is concerning and make a complaint against the receptionist after your baby has been taken care of.

But Farmerswife didn’t know that.