"Paediatric hospital admission"

My nearly 3-year-old son was experiencing what appeared to be cold/general viral symptoms. I did as we parents are always told, and followed NHS Inform guidelines, checking temperature regularly, administering Calpol for temperature, and giving fluids and rest.

After several days, I accessed the Pharmacy First service and received a linctus for his cough, more Calpol and eye drops for bad conjunctivitis. My son's symptoms worsened steadily but I feel now (and I am certain I am not alone) that the general rule of thumb is don't bother the GP with a virus - it will get better on its own.

Eventually, I could not wait any longer and called NHS24, because symptoms were persisting too long and getting worse. We presented at Hamilton Out of Hours, where my son was examined (I use that word loosely because all that the doctor did was take his temperature and query when he last had Calpol). He was found to still have a temperature so was given ibuprofen. They did not check his oxygen saturation.

The doctor was sufficiently worried so they attempted to contact Paediatrics at Wishaw General, without success. Then it was suggested that we might be sent to face an horrendous wait at A&E. Finally the Out of Hours doctor got through to Wishaw Paeds and we were told to present at Ward 19, Wishaw General.

I am a lone parent and was there alone with a very unwell child. I had to ask for assistance to watch my son while I brought the car round at Out of Hours, so that my son didn't have to walk too far again. I then drove us to the hospital, and we had to walk from the car park because I could not carry him that far.

The Nurse who first examined him was shocked to discover that his oxygen saturation was below 90. Doctor diagnosed pnemonia and flu, and said my son would be admitted into isolation in ward 20, on oxygen via nasal cannula, antibiotics and antivirals. We should have been brought there in an ambulance.

While I must say that many of the nurses on the ward were very good (especially the admitting Nurse in Ward 19, who was wonderful, gentle and kind), there was a frighteningly lax policy of leaving the medicines with family to administer, while recording it as having been taken. I feel this is unacceptable. More than once my son refused the medication and we were offered no help to administer. Then nurses seemed surprised later when medicine had not been taken.

One day I asked the rounding doctor if I could use the ward bath to bathe my son (he had not agreed to be washed for days, which is unusual). My son is given a bath every day at home but is scared of the shower. She agreed, as did a nurse the following morning. When the bath was run, I then received admonishment from a health care assistant who stated we should not be using the ward bath when my son has flu A and they would have to clean the room afterwards.

As an ex student nurse, I fully understand the importance of infection control. But my son had been through enough, and surely the request should have been denied in the first place if it was such an inconvenience. They seem to stick to whatever protocols suit at the time.  I have a disability and asked for assistance to stay there with my son (without worsening my own symptoms by sleeping on the parent cot), but none was forthcoming. I also had a chest infection (my cough was noticed and commented on by staff) but I was neither examined or treated until I got home and called my GP, who is always very helpful.

My son was finally discharged nearly a week later and has displayed utterly unmanageable symptoms of PTSD ever since. He will barely let me near him to change a nappy. He screams, shouts and kicks when anything to do with basic needs arises. I called my GP and spoke with a doctor who first rubbished my concerns regarding trauma, stating it had only been a few days. I persisted and finally they gave me the number for Infant Mental Health, which they said would accept self-referral, and stated that it is the only applicable service. I called the number and IMH said my son is too old for the service and in any case, they do not accept self-referral. I called the health visiting team and still await a call back.

As parents, we are continually reminded that early intervention is key for adverse childhood experiences, but when they occur, it appears that there is no help. I am, in the main, absolutely disgusted with the sequence of events which occurred here, and the damage to my son which may well be irrevocable. I expect a full reply, as well as signposting to some assistance for my son's trauma.