My son was experiencing abdominal pain which started in the morning, it got progressively worse as the day went on. I called NHS 24 in the afternoon which by this time it was severe. I was told someone would call back in an hour. He got worse very quickly, I called back and was told someone would call back within 2 hours.
Every time I called I asked if there was somewhere I could take him myself as I had transport. By this time he was screaming in agony. I called an ambulance and was told this was not an emergency and they would refer me to NHS 24. I called NHS 24 again. I was told to take him to the local infirmary at 6: 30 P. M. I thought he would be seeing a doctor, it was a nurse who then sent us to another town 20 mins away. The Dr. there arranged for him to go to the hospital, I took him there which took another hour.
He was operated on at around 11: P. M. His appendix had burst by then and was badly infected.
This was a very frightening experience for us. My son was very unwell afterwards. I am very upset at the way we were treated. We were told it was not an emergency when it clearly was. My son suffered excruciating pain much longer than he should have and still could suffer complications from this. I felt completely helpless and unsure what to do at the time.
I do not have any faith in NHS 24 whatsoever now.
"Being refused an ambulance in an emergency"
About: Arbroath Infirmary / General Surgery Arbroath Infirmary General Surgery DD11 2AT Brechin Infirmary / Accident & Emergency Brechin Infirmary Accident & Emergency DD9 7AN NHS 24 NHS 24 Ninewells Hospital / General Surgery Ninewells Hospital General Surgery DD1 9SY
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