"A&E visit and paeds assessment"

We attended A&E with our 9 month old baby who had severe vomiting one evening after phoning NHS24.

A&E triaged us quickly and their care was compassionate, timely and efficient. Our baby managed to keep some fluid down, but was found to have a low blood sugar which didn’t resolve with sugared water. The staff clearly explained the process and looked after us in the middle of the night.

We were sent up to the paeds ward for further assessment but unfortunately the registrar couldn’t provide an explanation for her vomiting. The registrar felt we were giving her too much milk over the course of a day. I asked her how much milk she should have so we could compare (this was a baby drinking 3-4 6oz bottles). The registrar didn’t know so said they would check with the nurses as ’they will know from having their own children’. This is concerning that evidence based practice wasn’t being followed and a baby’s milk intake recommendation was being based on the opinion of nurses with their own children!

I am concerned that this is deemed acceptable and the advice given didn’t resemble the guidance on the NHS website. There is clearly a training need for this doctor and evidence based practice should be embedded in their clinic decision making.

This is so concerning, I would consider accessing care for my baby within a different health board.