"Surely they know services available"

111 advised to take my very elderly and exhausted mum to Tiverton (30 minutes drive) for exam and possible CT scan. Tiverton A&E were quick, helpful, empathic and sorry they didn't have the equipment so now an additional 45 min journey to Exeter.  Surely 111 know services available.

At Exeter 1 hour wait for triage (excellent staff, empathic, concerned, detailed). Unknown duration wait for scan (only 1 machine at night) possible 6 hour wait for doctor... already evening. No complaint re staff from reception to triage.

Waiting, in an overcrowded area with most ignoring reception plea to wear masks, with a chronically ill and highly vulnerable elderly lady had me experiencing panic attacks as 1:15 Covid meant 100+ people potentially 10 carriers.  I felt fearful and unsafe so much so we left 3 hours later, before scan, as risk too high.  Unlikely bleed on brain vs COVID's higher very real death risk for my mum.  Shame on our government. 

I am now on tenterhooks about do I or mum have COVID?  

Once home, the hospital rang and asked me to take her back in, it was late at night.  We struggled to get her into the house, she was fast asleep and slept till late morning. Very unusual for her!

GP advised this morning low risk and as observations normal, the repeat trip to A&E was not warranted.  She'll take a few days to recover from the traumatic experience.

If we do have COVID it could result in her death (she is vaccinated).  I will have to live with this fear for the next several days potential incubation period.