Anyone been to children's A&E recently

[Layladylay234]

11 year old son kicked a wooden drawer earlier today,his toe and foot underneath is now bruised. I thought I could prob just strap it up and miss a trip to the hospital but I just had to give him so paracetamol because it's painful. He can't weight bear and it hurts to bend/move his toe. I know if his toe is broken, they'll only strap it up anyway but I'm a bit concerned he might have broken part of his foot with the pain.

Considering a trip to A&E in the morning if it's not much better. Anyone been recently? Did they get seen fairly quickly?

I went during the last lockdown with 2 of my children - both completely unrelated foot injuries on separate occasions. On both occasions I was impressed with the care we received. I would say go and get it checked if unsure. Which toe is it?

Meant to add, it was very well organised, and very quick. Not sure if that still applies, with the added pressure. Maybe ring for advice, as the toe (eg big toe) and appearance will make a difference to the advice that you receive.

We did just last week, a toddler for a head injury, needed gluing. Seen within five minutes and it was really empty. In and out within the hour.

Might be worth going through 111. In my area they’re managing attendance at A&E or filtering through to other ‘clean’ sites and you can ask any questions about attending or at least get signposted to someone who would be able to answer your questions.

Definitely seek help though, at the very least your ds might need some different painkillers.

Yes, our 7 month old burned his hand so we went to paediatric A&E last month. Had to go back several times after the initial visit to get the hand rebandaged and each time it was quiet, only a couple of other people or none at all. Went through the regular A&E to get there and that was heaving, so was glad to be able to wait and be seen in the calm and quiet of the paediatric dept.

Took DS2 last lock down and it was empty. Same thing, broken foot. Took 50 mins from triage to X-ray to consultant. Quick and literally no one there.

Yes, toddler DD had an A&E trip during the last lockdown and it was completely dead. We were ushered immediately into a room, seen really quickly, and then ushered straight back out. Saw one parent and child in the waiting room on the way out and that was it.

Hopefully you can see the bruising. He says it's better than yesterday as he can touch it today but not press on it still. I'm thinking maybe it's just bruised if that's the case.

Excuse the preteen toenails and bedroom mess!

They take a temperature then you go through the hot (potential covid) or cold side. It's as safe as it can be

Blimey. I’d get that checked!

Take him to A&E based on that photo - maybe bad bruising, but looks v swollen.

I've just done the 111 triage and a nurse is calling back apparently. I'm most concerned about the fact that it's not just his toe that's bruised,it's the bit under that. I'm ok with going,I was in and out of hospitals with the last lockdown with my pregnancy but I just wanted to know what it was like this time round. Thanks all

Take lots of snacks and drinks cos once you're in you might not be allowed out - even to the vending machine.
Don't forget your phone chargers.

Me! On Boxing Day with 8 month old. Was seen immediately pretty much. No one in there apart from two others, completely separate part of the hospital to main A&E (it isn’t usually). Had to check in via a computer with FaceTime type thing loaded onto it

Have you had your baby yet ? (As you said you were pregnant). They might not let you keep baby with you if you are the adult staying with your 11 year old. They are very strict on one adult only and no siblings. I am not sure of rules if you have a newborn with you but I expect they rather wouldn't want you to bring baby.

Hop he's ok.

Our A&E is closed due to Covid, so a bit of a trek. However, DD has had two emergency operations during lockdown and both were carried out within nine hours of admission, the reason she had to wait for one that they'd just taken a life-threatening admission, which you can't argue with.

I’d get it seen. I had the same injury, same bruising and they suspected fractured metatarsal. Had it crates and luckily it wasn’t - they were so convinced it would be fractured they got a couple of people to check the X-rays!

111 me to a minor injuries unit at a hospital that the trust has designated for non-Covid things like fractures.

See if this is a possibility.

I was the only one in the waiting room, waited 2 minutes and was TT triaged, examined, x-rayed and put on a cast all in quick succession.

I'm an adult obviously but kids can be seen at this place.

In June I took DD to a different hospital specifically because it has paediatric A&E as she needed a wound glueing but they sent us through the general minor injuries unit there as well. But again no wait and all felt safe enough and that's at a very (usually) busy hospital.

@Layladylay234

Excuse the preteen toenails and bedroom mess!

toenails and mess are my embarrassments too! Never mind clean underwear in case you’re in an accident - make sure you’ve clipped the claws on your trotters!

I’m glad you’re getting advice and I hope your ds is a bit more comfortable soon.

I’ve been for me this week. Had a poor 111 experience and so spoke with a GP who advised A&E. I was seen very quickly.

We went 2 days ago... was fine! Took temp, everyone wore masks, waiting room way less busy than usual. In and out and xrayed in 1.5 hours! Usually a 6 hour wait to be seen

Ouch that looks sore, I think you are right to get it checked. Hope he's ok!
We haven't personally been but a friend went with her ds who broke his wrist and she said it was very organised and she was seen really quickly.

Was there a couple of weeks ago. My ds 15 had a problem with his feet and we were advised to go by our local walk in centre. We were given our own waiting area as was everyone present. Seen within 2 hours. Excellent care. It was slightly quieter than I would normally have expected. Did feel a bit uncomfortable because of Covid but no issues otherwise.

I had to take mine to a&e during this plague thing going on and it was very quick. Quickest I've ever been in and out of a&e ever.

That looks sore, I'd want an x-ray. Good luck.