NHS 111 not for for purpose

[MeetyouatMidnight]

So I know I’m on a rant but I am just sooooo frustrated at this point. And I normally hate the NHS bashing threads, but I really don’t get this.

DD4 had Scarlet Fever this week. Was generally under the weather for a few days. The GP gave her antibiotics for her throat and then the rash popped up later, when we rang back the GP diagnosed scarlet fever from pictures.

DS2 is now unwell. Went to the GP yesterday but because no rash and not a particularly bad looking throat they said no need for antibiotics. I really trust the judgement of our GP, we generally see the same one and he’s great, so accepted that.

But fast forward to today, DS2 has a rash, which looks how DDs started out.

I called 111, was on hold for 48 minutes. When I got through they have sent me to a pharmacy for a consultation. I told them exactly what I thought we needed: to see an out of hours GP and to be prescribed antibiotics. They insisted I go to the Pharmacy.

So of course I go to the pharmacy who say “what are we supposed to do?” Because they can’t prescribe antibiotics.

So I have called them back and after another 29 minutes they have done the assessment yet again. All the same questions no changes.

I am now on hold again - but the pharmacy closes in 45 minutes. I can’t get an out of hours GP appt without going through them, so the only option might end up being A&E in the hope they send me to out of hours, and scarlet fever is incredibly infectious so no one will appreciate that.

What the actual fuck?

I don’t know anyone who has something good to say about 111. AIBU thinking it’s just a waste of time?

To those saying it’s all about money - it’s not. Labour gave gps huge pay rises. Did we get a better service? Of course not. The nhs is a black hole. It absorbs what is given and the public get worse services. It needs a total rethink.

Exactly the same thing has happened to me today. Waste-of-time visit to pharmacy late morning having been told to go there to get antibiotics for my sons tonsilitis. Had to then call 111 again, waiting half an hour who said we would have a call back today. Nothing yet. I have no idea whether to just sit and wait for this call or sit for another hour on the phone to wait for 111 for the third time today. I'm worried about a poorly son and relatives arriving tomorrow. If he's had medicines today it might go more quickly.

I called 111 three years ago on Christmas Eve because I was in severe pain. A doctor called me back promptly, but advised me to take paracetamol and see my GP after the holiday. We went to A&E, I was admitted and had emergency surgery on Christmas morning and further surgery within the week.

They sent me their customer satisfaction survey and I let rip, I had a lovely letter and phone call and my case is now being used for training purposes. The doctor simply didn't ask me the right questions.

It’s dangerous. I firmly believe we are not safe and are running a roulette type situation with the nhs. We need more “on the ground” services - more walk ins, pharmacies that can prescribe.

We have no out of hours, minor ailments or late-night pharmacy in our whole county which spans 100 miles. 111 is absolutely useless here. I would never waste my time with them.

Out of hours clinics may well have access to antibiotics. There will be other pharmacies. It’s a massive pain the arse though.
This week is particularly bad due to the time of year and the doctor strike.

Still, it’s a ridiculous situation for you!

Similar happened to me a few years ago - I shared the antibiotics and went to the chemist as I have spilt them everywhere and they replaced them.

I never thought I would say this but 111 has been brilliant the last 3 times I've used them for different people. Yes lots of repetition but they sent nurses out within a couple of hours and ambulance took them to hospital. I was so impressed with the new service of coming out to homes rather than having to go to a and e. This is northeast, not sure where you live but seems like this service is going ro be made nationwide. Meanwhile I'm.so sorry for your experiences, awful..xx

When my mum collapsed (she’s nearly 100) 999 didn’t send an ambulance when a neighbour called. I had to call again 3 hours later! If you are old, forget it!

Oh that’s horrible 😣

a few years ago I slipped getting out the shower at 35ish weeks pregnant and couldn’t get up. Waited for hours before an ambulance came and it was awful. That’s with me being young and generally healthy/robust. I can’t imagine how frightening it must be for someone frailer or elderly.

Hope your mum is doing well.

We finally got a call back and were given an appointment at 4am. They took one look at him and said “oh yeah he needs antibiotics”

Glad it’s sorted but omg we really need a walk in centre