"Staff were helpful when asked but I had to ask for everything"

I attended PAU with my 13 month old after being sent by the out of hours team. I feel that there was aspects of my son's care that should be looked at and addressed.

We initially were placed in a small cubicle with a curtain where it was very difficult to keep my son contained during the long wait especially as I was not offered any toys. The nurses then asked me to undress him and try to catch a urine sample - I was happy to do this but after about 20 minutes sitting on me, he became restless and wanted to walk and crawl around. When i picked him back up his legs and feet were covered in dirt from the floor.  As we had attended with open spots and a possible skin infection, I asked the nurses if I could dress him as I wasn't comfortable with the infection risk. I was told at this point that if I felt that was the only option I could, but the doctors would likely not be happy. 

When I asked for some toys I was informed I could take him to the play area - again this worried me due to him having open spots and probably being contagious. 

We were in PAU for around 8-9 hours after being at out of hours for over an hour.   This period crossed lunchtime and dinnertime.   Myself or my son were offered no food during this time. He was given some apple juice to encourage him to pass urine. I had some snacks in my bag I fed my baby for lunch but around 5pm I asked if he would get dinner, I was told yes but noone came back.  At 6.30pm I asked again and let them know about his egg and dairy allergies, the nurse came back and offered him an omelette.  She was apologetic about this after I explained they were made with eggs and got him another meal.  After shift change a lovely student nurse asked me if I wanted a hot drink, which after almost 10 hours since I left home and was very much appreciated .  

Overall the staff were helpful when asked but I found I had to ask for everything. I felt that my son should have been offered more fluids and some food and myself as a breastfeeding mum unable to leave the ward as I was on my own with my baby, should have been at least offered a drink if not also a meal. I understand long waits are sometimes unavoidable but if this is the case perhaps we could have had regular comfort or wellbeing checks during this time.  

It also concerned me the lack of awareness of infection control especially in an area that vulnerable children attend.