"Thank you for making me feel like a mummy"

Yesterday I was told by my GP my son had mumps (he's 2.5 yrs and has had his first MMR) they told me that they didn't know what the swelling on his eye was but to call if it got worse. I followed this instruction and this morning when he woke it was awful - I didn't know what to do as he had mumps and I have 2 other young children who are poorly too with chest infections and tonsillitis. Initially I called 111 who advised I called my doctors so I waited until 8:30 and called them - I was told a doctor would call me at some point during the day. I was not happy with this my baby boys eye was awful but I had no idea what to do, I phoned children's A&E - I was in tears and completely lost, I don't know their name but they were brilliant (thank you so much for calming me down - they will probably say it's her job but it means so much), having sorted out child care for my eldest 2 I headed into Oxford to get him checked - unfortunately parking was a nightmare so I was delicate by the time I got to reception- the receptionist was great, they didn't rush me, was great with him and completely understood me, again I don't know their name and they will say it's their job but thank you.

We didn't wait too long to be assessed again by another wonderful staff member who listened to me and trusted my judgement as a mother.

Then we saw the Dr - they were brilliant, again listened to everything I said, my concerns, my son was relaxed about being examined etc... I was being treated like someone who isn't stupid and my facts and opinions counted. The diagnosis was scary but I was talked through it and trusted to take my little boy home and care for him with the knowledge that I could go back if needed. Dr even took us up to the pharmacy to get the antibiotics. I can't express how much today means- I have felt I'm wasting GPs time when I know there is something wrong. I am sorry that we had to go to A & E and use resources when it could have been dealt with a week ago at my GPs but I am so grateful for the help, support and sensitivity we received today. Keep up the great work, ignore the bad press and thank you so much