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Children's health

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Original poster

Blood tests

7 replies

raraB · 27/04/2011 18:49

Had to take my 2 yr old to the hospital today, we are day 4 of a cold, cough and high temperature, all l wanted was to check that the cough wasn't on his chest. They insisted on doing blood and urine tests, they all insisted that l waited out side, l disagreed and said l should stay with my child who was screaming in distress at this point. They basically threw me out when l argued and said this is how things are done here(we live in Greece). The poor child was so distressed and it took along time to calm him down, the cough became worse and he has since lost his voice from all the screaming. The blood tests were clear and so as l thought he does have a cold but l am still so upset at they way the test was carried out. Has anyone one else experienced this, it seems so barbaric for 3 Doctors and a nurse to hold one very small child of 2 down to take blood when a Mother could have held on to him and reassured him, l have 2 children and this is the second time l have experienced this, my daughter is now 7 and so frightened of Doctors and now it seems my ds will have the same fear.
I am new to the site and previously posted this in the wrong place...would really love to know how children are treated in the UK and other countries as l think Greece is behind the times?

OP posts:

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Al0uiseG · 27/04/2011 18:55

My Ds has had hundreds of blood tests and never has he been separated from me and only once did he have the blood taken without numbing cream. Your poor ds and poor you, you must be so traumatised. Unless it was an emergency he would have had numbing cream and a cuddle with Mum in England.

I hope that the tests come back without any problems and have a serious word with the hospital about it's treatment of your son.

crazynanna · 27/04/2011 19:10

I used to be a Peadiatric Phlebotomist (here in England),and I bled all children from the 28 weekers to the teens.It really upsets me hearing stories like OP's.
Open honesty and time are the essentials in preparing a child for medical intervention. Children are smart,and can smell a fib a mile away! I used to tell them "Look,no rubbish,it does hurt a little bit,but not a lot,it is quick,and I am a legend at doing it!"
Emla cream,for me,was the invention of the decade.
Sorry you had a rough experience.

Sirzy · 27/04/2011 20:16

How awful, especially for a child who will be aware. DS had a lot of bloods taken when he was ill as a baby and I was there for them all other than one when my mum was there (I was to distrssed at the time and had to get out :( )

Original poster

raraB · 27/04/2011 21:02

Thank you so much for your feedback, l was sure that this was abnormal behaviour, l have heard from other Mums on this Island that it is normal for here but in Athens in many hospitals they do allow parents to stay with the child. Fortunately the blood tests came back clear but when the Doctor came to tell us my poor Ds was so upset he buried himself in to me and refused to look at the Doctor. He is normlly such a happy boy who loves people. I have written to the hospital and the local paper, not sure if it will do any good but it will make me feel better.

OP posts:

winnybella · 27/04/2011 21:08

Just for comparison I don't think it would happen here in France, either- I was allowed to hold DD when she had bloods taken at the hospital and also at the paediatrician's I used to bf her while the doctor jabbed her (as it supposedly helps reduce the pain a bit).

Hospital was totally out of order, how traumatic for both of you

Good on you for writing to them and to the paper.

oricella · 27/04/2011 21:14

that's awful - I can imagine you're both really upset; standards in hospitals have come a long, long way thankfully and some day your local one will catch up too.. writing them about it may help give a small push in that direction

My 2 year old had bloods taken earlier this week - I think the nurse was more nervous than she was. DD was fascinated by it all, refused to be distracted and didn't give a peep... emla cream is indeed fantastic!

NoWittyName · 27/04/2011 21:40

You poor, poor thing. And how horrific for your little one.

My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at 15 days old and until she had a central line put in she had to have bloods taken a few times a day. Thankfully the people here (Leeds, England) were amazing and most of the time she was on the breast when they took the blood.

I feel for you hugely and hope he doesn't need any more bloods taken again. xxx

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