Will Drs ring Social Services

[Worrier1230]

Hi, my dd ended up in hospital with her breathing, for the second time on Saturday. Whilst there, the doctor noticed marks on her arm, explained that the cause was my other child messing around and the other she had been bitten by her cousin (I feel worse than you'd imagine about both of these)and no more was said. A Dr had a brief look at these masks and asked to examine her with her top and vest off (also to check breathing) and saw that there were no more marks on her. We were discharged late that night and have heard nothing from anyone since. I've absolutely worked myself up that social services are going to become involved, even though no concerns were raised at the hospital and I'd think if they were really concerned I'd have heard within the last 5 days. I would be completely understanding of them reporting it of course, and they'd find nothing wrong but is there a chance it's been reported and they're happy with the explanation, or that they haven't reported it because they're fine with it? Would I get a call if they're coming to visit? What happens if they turn up unannounced and I'm not here? I'm sorry for so many questions but I'd like to know what to expect and how best to cooperate.

Breathe if it happens you can explain it all and that’s all it’ll be. I know it’s easier said than done. But relax

Hi op

The doctor would have told you if he was concerned and made a referral to Social Services, he would have told you if he was contacting them.

If the marks were concerning to him then you would have definitely heard from them by now. If they ever showed up and you weren't there they would likely leave a calling card to contact them. They would also try calling you from the numbers provided by the doctor.

Since 5 days has past I guess no referral has been made.

If they were going to contact SS then they should tell you unless they thought that would put her in greater danger. If they thought she was in that level of danger they wouldn’t have let you go home.

In our area the HV will be informed if any under 5 visits hospital and if there is a pattern eg accidental injury or repeated medical issues they may contact you to see if you need help or advice. This is not a judgemental thing more of you have 3 hospital visits due to breathing issue I think it would be a good idea to see the GP to rule out an on going issue.

Thanks for your replies everyone, I think I knew deep down that if they were very concerned they'd have kept her at hospital or I'd have been told that it was being reported, but thank you for helping to put my mind at rest a little. Worrying about these kids is gonna be the death of me!

No they don’t always tell you that’s not correct information, they don’t have to tell you if they think telling you could place the child at even more risk so no they don’t have to tell you.

I was reported by the hospital once and they didn’t tell me beforehand or stop me going home. They don’t have to tell you, they should but they don’t “have to”

I know how you feel op I'm a social work myself. My little boy is 16 months old and an absolute danger to himself, he has my nerves wrecked.