Ear infection? 111?

[Ohtheaudacity]

My 8mo has had a nasty cold the last few days and this morning woke up with a gunky ear (see pic.) He seems fairly miserable although is feeding and eating ok. I phoned the GP and obviously they have no appointments. They told me to phone 111 if I’m worried but I’m really not sure if it’s just a waxy ear or sign of an infection?! My sleep deprived brain can’t think straight…

Ring back your GP and say you have a baby who needs an emergency appointment today. Then if they can’t help call 111.

That looks like gunk more than wax. Bit crap of your gp not to see a little one with those symptoms. I’d ring 111 for sure

In my area 111 can refer you to emergency GPs (that you can't get an appointment to otherwise, and there's no walk in clinics anywhere). It's a pain, and you have to speak to an admin person, several hours later a clinician on the phone, hope the out of hours GPs isn't full by then.....but sometimes it's the only thing.
I'd be surprised if my area is the only one with this?

In my area 111 is strictly advice only in the day and then out of hours when gp is shut so they actually wouldn’t be able to do anything. But I’m assuming it’s different where op is - I hope it is anyway, poor baby definitely needs to be seen!

Call back the GP and request a nurse looks at it or go to the pharmacy.

Thanks all, I did stress how important it was but they just didn’t care. I understand they have procedures to follow but it’s so frustrating. Now on hold to 111 x

Or maybe try a pharmacist?

Very poor practise from your GP, they always see babies and young children.
It looks nasty op I hope you get sorted

We had similar recently and the gp said sometimes if they have a fever the ear wax melts over night and comes out into the ear.... she looked in her ear and all was fine. Are they in pain, and is that blood in the gunk, or scratches on the ear? If the former the definitely seek medical advice. Hope that 111 can give some help. I've been very lucky that my gp can always fit us in when needed.

How did you get on op

Thanks for checking in @ChittyBangs

I managed to get a GP appointment. Turns out the poor thing has a perforated ear drum. Doctor prescribed a week of antibiotics, regular calpol and lots of cuddles.

Thanks all for the advice here