Why would we need to go to A&E for this?

[PollyPres]

Just got off the phone with GP as 2yo DS has white patch on tongue. Prescribed 10 day course of antifungals. Was told it's quite common in this age group as it's easily transmissible. All good.

GP then throws a curve ball and says if after day 7 there's no improvement I'm to take DS to A&E. Despite me pushing for a reason as to why it would be considered serious enough to warrant a visit to A&E, all I got in response was that he might just require further treatment.

I'm now of course very confused and worried about it all. Does anyone have any experience or insight?

I believe the GP said that if it doesn’t get better within a week, further tests might be needed — which he won’t be able to provide themself, and getting a referral could take months. It makes sense that they suggest to go to a&e. I’m sure it will be fine and go away within a week with treatment. I guess it’s just something they have to say to ensure the child will be properly looked after if the symptoms continue.

The GP doesn't want the extra workload of checking up a patch on a small child's tongue.

The next step probably requires taking a swab for further testing and that's something a GP can't be arsed to do or doesn't have the time and logistics (each sample will need to be stored correctly and sent to the correct lab, which adds a lot of after hours work). Sending a referral for dermatology is also pointless as there will be incredibly long waiting times just for an appointment and parents will get upset and circle back to the GP. They have undoubtedly experienced this many times in the past so it's easiest to send the patient to A&E than have them complain about dermatology waiting times or try to push for another GP appointment.

Agreed. Send to A&E to save time. I work in A&E and we get this a lot. One of the (many many) reasons waiting times are increasing.
This is not a dig at GPs, they are horrendously overworked and under resourced too

Thanks all, that's all makes sense. Hopefully it goes away within a week and this is all moot.