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Original poster

WTAF? Just called 111

33 replies

OneMoreCookieMonster · 09/09/2023 22:07

Firstly, I am 100% not one of those super low hovering helicopter parents.

Just had to call 111 for my 9yr old. He has a sudden fast spreading rash along with other symptoms.

I gave details to the 111 call handler, and then confirmed everything 6 x as you do. Before I could even give a reason for calling she asked to speak to my kid. Alright, fine, thinking they wanted to verify who I was calling about. The handler then proceeded to ask my son why I was calling! He was asked the questions and was so confused. I had to remind him to say hello!

In a way, I think it's a great learning experience being able to describe how you're feeling etc. But at the same time, I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it.

I did end up finishing the call off as we were told to take him in. H is now enroute to the hospital.

Just wanted to know has anyone else had this? When did it become a thing?

OP posts:
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Original poster
OneMoreCookieMonster · 09/09/2023 22:08

This is also to keep my mind busy while they are at hospital. I'm home with baby

OP posts:
wobblymum1 · 09/09/2023 22:12

That is RIDICULOUS aged 9! I can sort of understand them wanting to assess if he talk without losing breath etc but really should be your choice and call if he’s up to that or not. hope he’s better soon x

Songbird74 · 09/09/2023 22:16

That’s stupid! I hope your boy is OK, OP. You are the adult and best able to describe his symptoms - maybe they wanted it straight from the horses mouth but that’s the first time I’ve heard of that.

LittleMonks11 · 09/09/2023 22:16

WTF? Hope he's ok OP

DiscoBeat · 09/09/2023 22:17

I would assume they can tell a lot by his voice (his level of consciousness and awareness eg) hence talking you him, so it wouldn't bother me at all. I hope all is well.

WeWereInParis · 09/09/2023 22:17

I called about a rash on my then 13 month old, and they asked me to confirm I was with her (I was) and that she was awake (she was).

But it was like they weirdly didn't believe me, so they made me make her make a noise. Which she didn't want to do because I'd woken her up from her nap so she was awake for the call so she was just sort of cuddled in to me. They kept asking "are you sure you're definitely with her??"

I mean, yes, why would I call about my ill child if she's not even here! They'd already asked the questions about her temp, her breathing, her ability to stay awake. But they clearly thought I'd made up those answers.

But anyway, maybe it is a new policy that they really want to absolutely verify that the person in question is present and alert etc?

DiscoBeat · 09/09/2023 22:19

Sorry I meant to say also I would assume to have spoken to them first though, as his parent!

anunlikelyseahorse · 09/09/2023 22:20

It's normal OP, they'll be listening to his breathing, or possible breathlessness, which is part of their triage system. It may seem bizarre, but it can really help build a clinical picture.
Hope your son is okay and on the mend soon CakeBrew.

Original poster
OneMoreCookieMonster · 10/09/2023 00:25

I'm still confused by the whole call tbh. He couldn't give his symptoms over the phone properly and it was stressing him out. He's a great kid, well spoken and extremely well mannered. Don't think I've heard him say 'pardon' so many times. He was asked to verify details which he got right except my mobile number which is what I think stressed him out.

So far he good. He's been seen by triage and now waiting to be assessed.

He started breaking out with a rash at around 8 pm. Looked like a bug bite. Showered and bedtime routine etc. He came down stairs at around 9.30 covered from the thighs up to and including his cheeks in a red raised rash. It's the speed of the rash and the fact that he's fairly well in himself.

I'll come back and post when I have more information. Hate when ops don't return and update.

OP posts:
AnSolas · 10/09/2023 00:29

Just saying hello and hoping he will be home soon🤞

EmmaEmerald · 10/09/2023 00:32

Oh no
hope he recovers asap

mad of them, I’ve called in behalf of mum and it’s been fine

blendedfamly · 10/09/2023 00:32

Hope he's fine op i
Definitely best to check out

peeinthepool · 10/09/2023 00:34

111 did exactly this with my 6 year old last weekend. She couldn't answer all the questions either. Totally absurd!

LadyGaGasPokerFace · 10/09/2023 00:37

I don’t have much faith in 111. When we called for dm a few years ago they told us to start CPR even though she was breathing 🙄 told them just to send an ambulance. They did. No CPR was required and the poor paramedics were astounded. Luckily I have a first aid background, so there was definitely no need

MansfieldLark · 10/09/2023 00:38

Gosh poor thing. Was it an allergic reaction to something ? Sounds like hives .

FatandRoundBouncingontheGround · 10/09/2023 00:41

Bet it's Hives.

Okaaaay · 10/09/2023 01:05

I hear a lot of mad NHS shizzle but this is up there! Asking to speak to a 9 year old with a fast spreading rash before they’ve confirmed why a parent is calling - genuinely bonkers (and I would suggest inappropriate). I’m hoping this was post the initial ‘are they breathing / bleeding out triage. If not, that is quite unbelievable.

mamatobela · 10/09/2023 01:33

OneMoreCookieMonster · 09/09/2023 22:07

Firstly, I am 100% not one of those super low hovering helicopter parents.

Just had to call 111 for my 9yr old. He has a sudden fast spreading rash along with other symptoms.

I gave details to the 111 call handler, and then confirmed everything 6 x as you do. Before I could even give a reason for calling she asked to speak to my kid. Alright, fine, thinking they wanted to verify who I was calling about. The handler then proceeded to ask my son why I was calling! He was asked the questions and was so confused. I had to remind him to say hello!

In a way, I think it's a great learning experience being able to describe how you're feeling etc. But at the same time, I'm not 100% sure how I feel about it.

I did end up finishing the call off as we were told to take him in. H is now enroute to the hospital.

Just wanted to know has anyone else had this? When did it become a thing?

Former nhs call handler here for both 999 and 111. A rule is to speak to the patient only where possible, as long as they're compos mentis and capable of answering the questions. Usually assessed case by case and how comfortable the operator feels talking to the child and vice versa. You can't always speak for your child so it helps when you're able to speak directly to the patient.
Hope this helps you

Hiyawotcha · 10/09/2023 01:38

I rang 111 years ago when ds was about 7 or 8. He was breathless and heart racing and the handler spoke to him once I’d given the facts. I have no problem with this - it was clear from the way he was speaking that he was needing to catch his breath. Up to that point I hadn’t properly roused him and to be honest if I had I would have known to go to A&E rather than call 111.
anyway - gist is that it seemed appropriate to me.
hope your ds is better soon.

LoonyLois · 10/09/2023 01:44

Hope he’s home soon. What a ridiculous state of affairs with 111

Safxxx · 10/09/2023 01:49

Couple of years ago I called 111 after giving all details they asked to speak to my 8yr old son and asked many questions....I guess it's a procedure.

HelpMeGetThrough · 10/09/2023 07:21

anunlikelyseahorse · 09/09/2023 22:20

It's normal OP, they'll be listening to his breathing, or possible breathlessness, which is part of their triage system. It may seem bizarre, but it can really help build a clinical picture.
Hope your son is okay and on the mend soon CakeBrew.

A call handler?

They won't be building up any clinical picture, they are there to answer a call and follow a script, badly!!

Original poster
OneMoreCookieMonster · 10/09/2023 09:33

Morning, thank you for the well wishes. It was a lateiu one last night. He's home and having a much deserved lay in. He was kept in for a few hours and they did two sets of observations on him to be sure all was well. It looks like it's post viral rash coupled with mild dehydration. They said the dehydration wasn't surprising as it's been so hot. Tbh he has been doing a lot sport since being back at school but we thought he was having enough water. So definitely upping that and keeping an eye on it. He was given one of those hydration drinks. Rash should go down soon.

Beating myself up, he wasn't quite himself and fatigued at the beginning of week. Sleeping alot and difficult to wake in the morning. Had a couple of rough days but wasn't complaining of being ill. I put it down to being back at school and routine changes. I knew there something quite right.

As for to call to 111. I wasn't asked any of the triage questions before they spoke to him. He did do well and its highlighted a couple of things we need to work on with him. I don't have Any issues with them speaking to him or being asked questions regarding his health. What I do mind is not speaking to them first. Something could have been missed or forgotten by him.

As I said earlier, I think it's great in some ways. As a pp said we can't always speak for them and they have to learn to stand on their own. These interactions are important. I didn't even have him on speaker phone, because I was expecting a quick verification. This could have potentially been a safe guarding issue in the making. I had no way of knowing for sure what was being about.

Thanks again, and I'll update when the rash goes as well.

OP posts:
EmmaEmerald · 10/09/2023 10:27

OP "I wasn't asked any of the triage questions before they spoke to him"

that is mad! If you've got the energy, I'd contact the service feedback or whatever they have.

glad he's okay, hope you both have a restful day.

AnSolas · 10/09/2023 10:59

Thanks for the update hope he bounces back to normal soon.