I’ve been sent this by a trustworthy friend who works at a major London teaching hospital in PICU.
IMPORTANT re NHS 111: I work on a PICU in London. In the last 48 hours we have lost four children and we have two critically ill whose lives are in the balance. NONE of these cases is attributable to C-19 and in all six cases, these children probably would not have needed intensive care and certainly wouldn't have died, had they been brought to hospital in good time. The reason they weren't, in all six cases, is because they were advised by 111 that hospitals are now dangerous places and they should stay at home. Our consultants are seeking an urgent meeting with PHE to get the advice changed. PLEASE, if you are a parent and worried about your child, ESPECIALLY if s/he has an existing, managed condition, DO NOT accept this advice - trust your parental instinct and get your child to A&E if you are worried. Hospitals are NOT more dangerous than your child's condition and the A&E departments are quieter than normal as only the genuinely in need are presenting, for the obvious reason. Please remember to follow guidance on social distancing and hand washing.