"The whole service was fantastic and seamless"

My 9 month old daughter was ill with a cough, vomiting and refusing fluids. We were worried about dehydration and felt she needed to be checked over by a medical professional but didnt want to drag her to a GP unnecessarily so called 111 for advice.

111 was prompt on answering the call, so polite and extremely helpful. They passed my call on to a paramedic who continued this fantastic service.

They really reassured me and recommended she needed to be consulted by a GP. They promptly referred me to local out of hours GP service (it was a Saturday) and within 30 mins of finishing the 111 call, I received a call from a local doctor who gave an over the phone consultation and again was polite, informative and professional. She recommended my daughter needed to be physically seen and referred her to the out of hours service. 20 mins after that call, I received a call regarding an appointment at Darenth Valley Hospital in 2 hours time.

When we arrived at the hospital we were seen straight away by a courteous and informative GP who examined my daughter, answered all questions we had and diagnosed an ear and throat infection which antibiotics were prescribed.  

We were in and out of the hospital in less than 30 mins and felt truely reassured. 

I felt the whole service was fantastic and seamless. I feel the NHS doesnt always get the recognition it should and I wanted to praise the whole out of hours and 111 service for making me and my daughter feel so respected and cared for. Thank you