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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think 111 referrals are a but pointless

6 replies

ToPlayOrNotToPlay · 18/12/2024 14:45

I'm currently sat in A&E after a call back from a 111 Dr saying that i needed an ECG. Dr assessed me over the phone and said they'd sent a note to my local A&E advising I need an ECG and to make my way here. When I arrived they've said I just book in and wait they dont do it that way. I really wanted to avoid being here, I'm 21 weeks pregnant and wanted to avoid sitting in a room full of germs.

I think I'm probably fine but obviously with the pregnancy need to get checked. I'd spoken to maternity triage but they wouldn't see me as the issue is my heart rate not babies. I spoke to my GP practice who are full and told me to call 111. 111 sent me here. As far as I'm aware surely I've been assessed by an actual Dr not just a call handler and she wasn't happy and thinks i need an ECG to see what's going on. Surely sending here them ignoring and putting back to the start is duplication. I've been here an hour and still not been triaged, I absolutely get they're really busy, that's why I didn't want to come here, but surely there should be somewhere else 111 can refer you rather than A&E.

OP posts:
MumOfOneAllAlone · 18/12/2024 14:47

They are pointless imo, and don't speed things up at all. Sorry to hear you're unwell op 😔 x

FuzzyPuffling · 18/12/2024 14:50

I've had great service from them on a couple of separate occcasions- a broken bone ( instant referral.to MIU) and several call backs and a Sunday am appointment at OOH GP for a more mysterious issue.

Periperi999 · 18/12/2024 14:53

ToPlayOrNotToPlay · 18/12/2024 14:45

I'm currently sat in A&E after a call back from a 111 Dr saying that i needed an ECG. Dr assessed me over the phone and said they'd sent a note to my local A&E advising I need an ECG and to make my way here. When I arrived they've said I just book in and wait they dont do it that way. I really wanted to avoid being here, I'm 21 weeks pregnant and wanted to avoid sitting in a room full of germs.

I think I'm probably fine but obviously with the pregnancy need to get checked. I'd spoken to maternity triage but they wouldn't see me as the issue is my heart rate not babies. I spoke to my GP practice who are full and told me to call 111. 111 sent me here. As far as I'm aware surely I've been assessed by an actual Dr not just a call handler and she wasn't happy and thinks i need an ECG to see what's going on. Surely sending here them ignoring and putting back to the start is duplication. I've been here an hour and still not been triaged, I absolutely get they're really busy, that's why I didn't want to come here, but surely there should be somewhere else 111 can refer you rather than A&E.

An ECG is not as simple as just a few sticky dots and a strip of paper. It needs to be interpreted and can't be interpreted in isolation so you will need to be assessed by a Dr/AcP and a history taken.

In the developed world where pregnancy risk is general very well managed and also women are having babies later, cardiac causes are one, if not the, biggest cause of maternal death, so it is definitely best to sit it out and be properly assessed.

Gooden · 18/12/2024 14:53

Can't stand 111 they just ask the same questions repeatedly and read from the NHS website.

QuickDenimDeer · 18/12/2024 14:55

In my experience the referrals have been helpful. Quicker appointments and prioritised care. They trust 111 operators more than civilians at the end of the day. If the only advice is to go to A&E without making a prior referral then yes it could be deemed a waste of time.

ToPlayOrNotToPlay · 18/12/2024 15:11

I'm going to get MN to take down my moan as in the last 15 minutes I was triaged, she spoke to the Dr, they put me on an ECG,they're happy with it and it might just be normal for me the moment but not concerned 🥳

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