URGENT what on earth am i supposed to do

[CKMUM]

K (10 months) has a scan on Fri. I have to be there at 9 am, it may take all day as she has to first go to the childrn's unit to have cannula put in her arm then to radiology to have radiactive drug put through it, then wait 2 to 3 hours for dye to circulate then go back for scan. I am single mum with no friends or family around and have another daughter who's nearly 2. Eldest daughter not allowed to go with me as she will be exposed to radioactive chemical if she does.

I don't have a proper homestart volunteer but homestart had arranged for one to go with me but now she has told me she is really ill and won't be better by then. what on earth do I do with eldest?

contact homestart again and tell them u are really stuck, They are normally pretty good and will find soemone to help.

Whereabouts are u? There might be a mnetter who could help.

Where are you CKmum

Phone the hospital, explain your dilemma and see if there's a place she can be supervised on the ward.

Also, are you completely sure she's not allowed to be with her? After all, your 10mo will be having the chemical injected and that's OK for her? DS had a similar scan when he was 14mo after he'd had a UTI - I wasn't allowed to be with him, but that's because I was pregnant.

I'm in oxford. Hospital have said defintely no. Strictly speaking eldest should stay away from her for 24 hours after as must pregnant women but theyve said just make sure she doesnt touch her which will de difficuilt as she loves her so much they are always cuddling!

can you not get someone from one of those babysitting companies? or ask a neighbour?

i agree about contacting homestart again though... got to be worth a try

I work in a pre-school and we have to keep one place open for emergency admissions. I am sure Homestart would be able to offer some help to you.

What about your HV, could they point you in the right direction?, give them a call.

Does the hospital not have a play room with qualified play leaders?

Have you any numbers from Mums you met when you had your kids?

What about their Dad?

Some childminders may be able to help out at short notice. Hv or Social services may be able to identify one.