NHS paediatrician who saw my 9 month old son

[Teddybear154]

I apologise that this is so long but hope some one might be able to help me. My son is 9 months old nearly 10 months.

He was born in January prematurely 5 weeks early.

For the first few months he was thriving and doing well. Then he stopped putting on weight and started to loose weight. He had bad reflux which didn't help. We were really worried about him so went to see are doctor but he would not take us seriously and would not refer my son to see a paediatrician. My sons healthy visitor was really worried too and tried to speak to doctor but he would not listen to her either.

 

My son continued too lose weight and by August when he was 7 months, he became very weak and sick. We had to rush him to hospital. He was admitted to hospital and stayed in hospital for just over a week. They put him on many reflux medications and he stopped being sick and started putting on weight. He was home for a few weeks but started to become un well so had to be re admitted to hospital. He was in hospital for another week and they adjusted is medication. He got better and was allowed home. He was under the care of a acute paediatrician but after a few weeks my sons care was referred over to a community paediatrician. My son has been putting on weight ever since slowly but he is gaining. My son has seen a dietician who says my son is doing really well.

 

4 weeks ago we went to see this community peadiatrican for the first time. I have 3 other children but this paediatrician was only seeing my youngest. When I got there he had all my children's medical notes, he was rude, insisted on all my children stripping and being weighed, ask inapropriate rude and insensitive questions. He then proceeded to accuse my sons problems of being my fault, he said I was a bad mother and that I neglected and starved my children. This paediatrician does not even know me or my family. Oh and he also told me that both breast milk and formular ave no nutritional value and that i should consentrate on just giving my son solids. i coud not believe this. after this he tried to make me go to the hospital canteen so he could see that the children had eaten I refused and walked out. He then proceeded to follow me across the hospital as I walked to catch the bus home with my children. I ignored him and got on the bus and went home. The whole experience left me feeling very shaken and upset.

 

A couple of weeks ago I Receved another appointment for my son to see this paediatrician I was not going to go but my husband said give him another chance. So I stupidly went to next appointment my husband came with me this time. The paediatrician was just as rude asking inapropriate questions and making alegations, he started questioning my oldest son who has autism which really upset my son, he then said because my children have special needs we obviously can't cope and were bad parents.

 

He the proceed to tell us that he had contacted social services child protection and had reported us. I have no dea why. We have done nothing wrong, we love are children to bits and would do any thing for them, we woud never hurt or neglect or starve them. My husband got really angry and shouted at the paediatrician. We then got up and waked out. There were witnesses at both appointments. I have made a formal complaint to the NHS and they are investigating. I contacted pals to get correct details of where to complain to.

 

I have just Received another appointment for my son to see this paediatrician again next week. I really don't want to take my son back to see this paediatrician. I don't know what to do. I have social services now on are backs. Will it look bad if i don't take my son to appointment next week. i stated in my complaint letter that i did not want to see this paediatrician again. What else shoud I do? Was making a complaint the right thing to do? What would you have done if in the same situation. Is there any way I can get rid of social services.

 

Any advice much appreciated

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 9, 2012 by Teddybear154

[uneverdid]

Have you had any support from school at all there is no way all your children should of been made to strip. Social services can arrange this uf they have any concerns have they set-up a CAF or child protection meeting. You will have your own social worker now who should support your family too. Social services will only remain involved if they have any concerns and they must prove why and have evidence too. You have the right to a second opinion at hospital so request that and although it's hard try to work with social services attend all appointments etc ask your social worker to attend the hospital appointments with you. Remember you are the parent and they are your children and if you haven't done anything wrong this will soon be over also ask your health visitor to write a report for you and keep all letters etc safe in date order etc I wish you luck with this and hope to hear everything's ok as I have to say your post has saddened me.

[Teddybear154]

Thanks for your reply. I have 4 children my oldest is nearly 9, he has autism, the next is 6 and he has mild cerebral palsy, my daughter is nearly 4 and my youngest as said above is nearly 10 months old. My 9 year old and 6 year old don't go to school.

 

Unfortunately they needed a lot of extra help to attend school. We went through the statement ing process but the LEA would not give the funding for the extra help they needed, the school could not cope with them and there needs.

 

On top of this the other children started being mean to them, calling them names because they were different. In the end we had no choice but to take both our sons out of school and I now home educate them. And yes it is perfectly legal to home educate your children. So no I have no support from school as they do not attend school.

 

I have no idea if social services have set up a CAF or Child Protection Meeting. I have not spoken to social services yet. I know they have phoned once as I had a strange number that I did not recognise show on my phone. I googled the number and it turned out the number was for social services child protection.

 

I was out at the time when they rung and they never left a message. I'm not sure whether to ring the number back or wait. Surely if they really want to speak to me they will phone again. What do you think. All my children see different specialist, next week we have a round the family meeting where all the specialists are meeting up in one place to see all my children and discuss different things.

 

We have around the family meetings every couple of months. It would not surprise me if social services turn up to this meeting. I still don't know whether to go to this paediatrician

 

 

Appointment next week I really don't want to see him again. Any way thanks again

Edited November 20, 2012 by citizenB

[reallymadwoman]

I would speak to PALS again - it can't possibly be reasonable for you to attend an appointment with a doctor you've made a complaint about.

 

Would your GP provide any support?

[Teddybear154]

I will contact pals again. Unfortunately my gp is just as useless as the paediatrician. My gp is the one who refused to refer my son to see a paediatrician and is the reason my son ended up so ill and had to be rushed to hospital. So I don't think I'll get any support from him. I'm in the process of trying to change doctors. But most other doctors surgeries near me are full and not taking new patients.

 

Thanks

[Zonker]

GMC

 

http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/making_a_complaint.asp

 

I would serioulsy report this peadiatrician to gmc. He, by what you are saying has a serious lack of understanding to what is required of a doctor.

[Night Owl]

Hi Teddybear154.

 

Firstly well done for bringing your concerns for your sons weight loss to the medical profession.

Any concerns of unexplained weight loss in children needs further investigation.

 

I am more horrified at the appalling experience you have had with the Community Paediatrician.

You have done well in getting advice from PALS and putting in a well justified complaint.

The doctors behaviour to you and your family is unacceptable.

You have every right to inform the General Medical Council and you can do that through their website as Zonker has stated above.

 

I think Social Services have a duty of care to inform you if they are completing Child Protection Paperwork and their reasons for it.

This does not mean to say that you are an unfit parent but to highlight issues of concern and try and get you help and support.

[Teddybear154]

Thanks every one for your replies I have contacted GMC and am waiting for them to get back to me. I did not go to see this paediatrician yesterday. I spoke to pals and they advised me not to as I had made a complaint. I contacted this paediatricians secutary and told them I would not be coming to appointment.

 

Today I went to a around the family meeting and a lot of specialists the children see came. A different paediatrician came who I know well as she sees my other children.

 

The meeting was going well until my sons health visitor informed me that she and some of the other specialists had met up with this other paediatrician that I've made a complaint about yesterday, with out informing me and basically discussed our children behind our back. This has really upset me and made me feel angry.

 

Can they do this. I made it quite clear in complaint letter that I wanted this paediatrician to have nothing more to do with my son, I told this to the health visitor as well. Do I not have a right to be informed if a meeting is going to take place to discuss my children. What can I do? Is it worth me contacting the trust I have made complaint to and adding ths to complaint. Any advice would be much appreciated .

 

Also the paediatrician who came to meeting who sees my other children. Has agreed to take over my youngest sons care. She is a nice paediatrician and I like her. But she works quite closely with this other paedatrician that have made a complaint about.

 

I am concerned that there might be a confict of interest, that it might make things awkward or that she might go and discuss things with him. I am wondering if I should try and move all my children to see another paediatrician at another hospital. What do you think. Again any advice much appreciated

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 20, 2012 by citizenB

[stu007]

Hi Teddybear154

 

You have done the right thing in making an official complaint about this paediatricians behaviour and to state in front of you you are a bad mother IMO is horrifying and has opened the doors so please please report this to GMC and formal complaint to Local NHS Board of this individuals action.

 

Please remember you have every right to ask for a Second Opinion at another hospital or to change paediatricians as this is your children you also have the right to have input into there care by the NHS so dont be fobbed off by them.

 

I would also writ to the hospital and request a copy of your medical records or that you wish to view these the next time you meet the paediatrician. I would also request the full qualifications held by this paedatrician (well you want to know they are qualified and not a trainee)

[zippygbr]

I would answer as to why there are obvious safeguarding concerns here but no doubt i'd get shouted down.

 

needless to say there are serious safeguarding concerns here and anyone who has an operational understanding of safeguarding can see why

 

the OP or ther OH has not helped themselves by being abusive towards the paediatrician.

 

there isn;t enough information given go any further.

 

I'm surprised they have made further appointments with the same paediatrician rather than different colleague but not attending will not help your case and will reinforce the safeguarding concerns .

 

a GMC complaint at this point in time will be fruitless as local resolutions have not been persued.

 

it's also important to note that the misrememberings of patients can and will be challenged should you decide to make things formal

 

i would also be interested to know who the 'witnesses' were and remember if they are NHS staff they are bound by the same safeguarding protocols as caused the Paediatrician to have concerns.

[Zonker]

zippygbr i realise what you mean by safeguarding , even taken to its extreme limit.

 

Im not sure you realise the state of the NHS at the moment , they dont exactly have an overabundance of staff.

 

Some people are simply not cut out to be a doctor, theyll pass the educational/course requirements no problem. When they get to practise medicine on their own, thats when the cracks appear and us the public suffer.

 

As for GM referal, if there has been a serious breach you can report directly to them. I wont need to comment how that local resolution is pretty well not patient focused. There is no requirement to pursue a local resolution first. I would suggest reading the mpts ftp decisions. The decisions show that being a practising doctor is not just being able to do medicine, its how you interact with patients, record keeping and personal developement amongst others. As for lack of information, there will be records and also burden of proof isnt criminal at ftp hearings its civil, 'balance of probabilities.'

 

Reading between the lines it seems to me that you work in healthcare yourself. .

[Teddybear154]

Zippygbr I find your reply a little affensive. I have no idea why there are safe guarding concerns but I can tell you that my children are not at risk and are very happy. They are well fed( my self and my husband are chefs so food is are passion and important too us) they are clean, always have clean cloths, are happy and always have any thing they need. My children mean the world to me and my husband we would never hurt them. There are many people who can vouch that we are good parents. The paediatrician did not know us he had never met us before, how can you judge people and make allegation when you don't know us. In stead of doing tests to try and find out whats actually wrong with my son this peadiatrician would prefer to accuss us.

 

It is clear that you don't have children. The way the paediatrician spoke to us was so rude, it was a natural reaction that my husband shouted at the peadiatrician. I'm sure most people in the same situation would have done the same thing.

 

As for not turning up to latest appointment I followed PALS advice. How could we be expected to go to a appointment with a paedatrician that we have made a formal complaint about and just to be insulted more. It's the first appointment we have ever missed. We go to every appointment. And let many professionals including physio,occupational therapists, speech therapist come to are house every week. We have nothing to hide

 

As stated in my last message the paediatrician that sees my other children is happy to take over my younger sons care. She examined him and held him briefly at the round the family meeting. She said she would see him in January as she is booked up till then. But surely if she had concerns she would want too see him sooner.

 

I have made a complaint locally, so local resolutions have been persued and so I am making a complaint to GMC as well. You can make a complaint to both at same time and I don't think it will be fruitless.

 

We are innocent and won't be treated the way this paediatrician treated us. I am complaining as I don't want any one else to go through this.

 

I agree with zonker reading what you have written it sounds like you work for NHS.

 

Finally it does not matter who these witnesses were or whether they work for NHS. All I can say is that they completely disagree with peadiatrican and quite frankly they think this paediatrician is crazy.

The witness at second appointment said they could not believe we had stayed as long as we did and that if it had been them they would have walked out long before.

 

Thank you to every one who has given usefull answers.

[Zonker]

teddybear154, Safeguarding isnt an evil thing. There have to be some method where some children who are being failed by their guardians need some intervention. The problem with it is some children present with conditions that for whatever reason the healthcare proffessional decide that further help is needed to safeguard the children but are all down innocent reasons and not the guardians fault. It certainly doesnt allow a healthcare proffessional to have behave in a manner as you have described.

 

One thing i can say that will help you, the GMC will ask any other healthcare proffessional, that includes any nurses etc, who were present on any appointment for their view on the peadetrician. If they are willing to say he is 'crazy' then i think that will help. I recall a registered doctor in a fairly recent mpts ftp hearing and this was quoted:

 

Dame Janet Smith in her Fifth Shipman report as to why a decision maker may find a doctor’s fitness to practise impaired:

 

"They were (a) that the doctor presented a risk to patients, (b) that the doctor had brought the profession into disrepute, © that the doctor had breached one of the fundamental tenets of the profession and (d) that the doctor’s integrity could not be relied upon. Lack of integrity might or might not involve a risk to patients. It might or might not bring the profession into disrepute. It might be regarded as a fundamental tenet of the profession. I think it right to include it as a separate reason why a doctor might be regarded as unfit to practise, because it is relevant even when it arises in a way that is quite unrelated to the doctor’s work as a doctor."

 

http://www.mpts-uk.org/static/documents/content/Minutes_PUBLISHABLE_(3246539)_October_2012_Felton.pdf

 

link included to show where it is from. The situation the doctor was in is NOT the same, but the quote remains valid as a general reasons except medical mistakes where they may be considered unfit to practise.

[zippygbr]

Zippygbr I find your reply a little affensive. I have no idea why there are safe guarding concerns but I can tell you that my children are not at risk and are very happy.

 

really are you in a position to objectively make that assessment ? You have already mentioned that your older children are not in school , and something about being unhappy with their statements. That automatically raises safeguarding issues,and without knowing the full details of these issues i can;t say any more than that.

 

your immediately defensive attitude does nothing to allay the concerns

 

They are well fed( my self and my husband are chefs so food is are passion and important too us) they are clean, always have clean cloths, are happy and always have any thing they need. My children mean the world to me and my husband we would never hurt them. There are many people who can vouch that we are good parents. The paediatrician did not know us he had never met us before, how can you judge people and make allegation when you don't know us. In stead of doing tests to try and find out whats actually wrong with my son this peadiatrician would prefer to accuss us.

 

you are automatically on the defensive and appear to have little or no understanding of ,or interest in finding out why the paediatrician had concerns about the the whole family group or why this might be relevant

 

It is clear that you don't have children. The way the paediatrician spoke to us was so rude, it was a natural reaction that my husband shouted at the peadiatrician. I'm sure most people in the same situation would have done the same thing.

 

And here we go with your accusations and combative. Generally it's accepted that adults don't get into slanging matches , but again you don;t seem to have insight as to why this does not allay the safeguarding concerns

 

 

I agree with zonker reading what you have written it sounds like you work for NHS.

 

Finally it does not matter who these witnesses were or whether they work for NHS. All I can say is that they completely disagree with peadiatrican and quite frankly they think this paediatrician is crazy.

The witness at second appointment said they could not believe we had stayed as long as we did and that if it had been them they would have walked out long before.

 

Thank you to every one who has given usefull answers.

 

I have worked in the NHS, and one of the most frustrating parts of clinical practice is when patients decide that 'the system' is'out to get them' and become evasive, aggressive and think that they will get their own way by complaining or threatening professional regulator discipline.

 

it does matter who the witnesses are ,as it bodes to their credibility. Considering that if this does go to a professional disciplinary hearing the parties are represented by actual legally trained advocates and cross examination as to both evidence and credibility will take place.

[Zonker]

Zippygbr, i suppose you say that doctor in birmingham that stabbed a random stranger on a bus is fit to practise? After all it wasnt because of his medicine. (btw he has gone to appeal court over this, even tho he is inside.) Or the doctor who thought it was ok to behave extremely weird , so much so he was sent home? (of the top of my head he was erased)

 

Funnily enough the in the FTP hearings even tho both may have legal representation, People are questioned by the panel as well. Remember the Doctor has to fully engage with their regulatory body. Questions asked in the preliminary stages cant just be ignored because they are inconvenient. The hearings decision are based on civil proof 'balance of probabilities' and no automatic weighting in favor of the doctor. In this case its not going to be over some medical treatment medical treatment that needs querying , but would that behaviour be acceptable of a doctor? As such I wont matter what proffession witnesses are but those in healthcare will have a better understanding of why its unacceptable.

 

I cant seem to find where in the nhs guidlines where it says its ok to accuse a person of a possible criminal act and im sure it doesnt say a doctor should follow a patient away from a consultation to their mode of transport. Maybe im wrong, please say where? Or do you think both are pretty well contray to what is required to be a doctor?

 

I also realise there are people who for one reason or another dont like doctors, but i think in this case the op isnt one of them.

 

As for safeguarding, had the kids with them at one appointment, are they of school age? Was it the school holidays? Thats just two reasons that came of the top of my head why they could be there. You may well be of the view that the doctor said this and it must be gospel.

 

Times have changed and we no longer have the luxury of saying the doctor is always right. (harold shipman was described as a wonderful doctor and many found it amazing he had bumped of so many people)

[seanamarts]

@zippygbr

 

I would like to remind you that CAG is not a place where we judge people.

 

The OP came here for some advice on what she could be doing to help her with her complaint, not to be criticised for complaining, which she has every right to do considering what she has written in her 1st post.

 

needless to say there are serious safeguarding concerns here and anyone who has an operational understanding of safeguarding can see why

 

For those who do not have an operational understanding of safeguarding, please feel free to enlighten us.

 

the OP or ther OH has not helped themselves by being abusive towards the paediatrician.

 

It is very understandable why the OP and her OH became upset with the doctor, raised voices does not mean they were abusive.

 

I'm surprised they have made further appointments with the same paediatrician rather than different colleague but not attending will not help your case and will reinforce the safeguarding concerns .

Poppy cock! The OP has raised a complaint against the paediatrician. Why should the OP go back and have the same accusations thrown at her. The OP has acted correctly and sought after another paediatrician, so please explain how this has reinforced the safe guarding issue. The OP has not refused to be seen and hidden away so no one can see the children. She has done what any good parent should do, she has discussed the matter with not only her health visitor, who Im sure see's the children on a regular basis, but has sought out another paediatrician to follow up on the babies development.

 

it's also important to note that the misrememberings of patients can and will be challenged should you decide to make things formal

That goes both ways.

 

i would also be interested to know who the 'witnesses' were and remember if they are NHS staff they are bound by the same safeguarding protocols as caused the Paediatrician to have concerns.

They also have a duty to the patient and should also report any misgivings regardless of whether it is a consultant, doctor or any other member of the NHS work force.

 

you are automatically on the defensive and appear to have little or no understanding of ,or interest in finding out why the paediatrician had concerns about the the whole family group or why this might be relevant

 

Maybe this should have been explained clearly before the paediatrician starting throwing accusations around.

 

really are you in a position to objectively make that assessment ? You have already mentioned that your older children are not in school , and something about being unhappy with their statements. That automatically raises safeguarding issues,and without knowing the full details of these issues i can;t say any more than that.

 

your immediately defensive attitude does nothing to allay the concerns

 

After having 4 children, is in regular contact with her health visitor, and bought her concerns to her GP with regards to the health of her child, no one, before hospital contact had bought forward any concerns regarding any of her children. I would say the OP is in a better position to make that assessment than any one.

 

whose concerns, yours? So far I have not read anything that would concern myself with regards to what the OP has written.

 

you are automatically on the defensive and appear to have little or no understanding of ,or interest in finding out why the paediatrician had concerns about the the whole family group or why this might be relevant

Of course the OP is being defensive, she has been accused of neglecting her children, as far as I can see, no reason has been given to the OP, which is the 'normal' route of doing things.

The paediatrician should of allayed his concerns before throwing accusations about. What do you think the OP should of done. Put her arms in the air shouting 'yes doctor, I am a bad parent, please take my children away'.??

 

And here we go with your accusations and combative. Generally it's accepted that adults don't get into slanging matches , but again you don;t seem to have insight as to why this does not allay the safeguarding concerns

And here we go with your accusations of it being a slanging match, voices were raised, which is very understandable considering. A slanging match is where both parties partake in verbal abuse. This was not the case here.

Just because the OP and her husband defended themselves, and rightly so regarding what the paediatrician was accusing them of and without any reasonable explanation for his concerns. it should give no one any cause for concern with regards to safeguarding the OP's children. Any 'normal' person would do exactly the same thing.

 

I have worked in the NHS, and one of the most frustrating parts of clinical practice is when patients decide that 'the system' is'out to get them' and become evasive, aggressive and think that they will get their own way by complaining or threatening professional regulator discipline.

 

This is not about some one getting there own way, this has not been mentioned here. The OP has not even made a hint that she feels the system is out to get them.

 

What you have to understand here is that doctors are not Gods, or though some like to think they are. they are not above the rest of us. they are human and do make mistakes. Many do not read the whole history of the patient so can often end up being treated differently, in more ways than one.

 

Regardless of what the paediatrician personally thought of the OP, he did not act in a professional manner. This is the issue here.

 

Just because the OP has made a complaint, which she has the right to do so. Im sure the last thing the OP needs is to come in here and be Judged for doing so.

CAG is not a place for people to come and judge one an other, it is here to help and support people in times of need.

 

Ive not seen you offer any help, given good advice or been supportive towards the OP's situation. In fact you have been critical of the OP's choices.

 

Zonker, If I were you i stop making accusations and behaving in a antagonistic manner.

 

FIRST and LAST warning from me,next time you behave in such an antagonistic manner, you will be reported to site management.

 

If any one needs reporting to site team, Im sad to say is you. It is quite obvious why I have stated that.

 

I havnt read anything that Zonker has posted that has been antagonistic.

 

I do hope the OP has not been put off with what you have written and will come back and let the ones who are interested and willing to help and support her, know what has happened.

 

If you havnt already done so, I would read the forum rules

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?9-Forum-rules.-Please-read-these-before-posting

 

Further more I have no wishes to get into a 'flame war' with you over what I have written.

 

If you are not happy with what I have written and wish to discuss this with me by all means do so, but it is best left off the forum so the OP and others do not lose sight of the thread.

 

@ Teddybear154

 

I hope you do come back and keep us informed of the situation at hand. I hope you maintain the strength to carry through with your complaint. From what you have written I can see that you have done nothing wrong.

 

Children get poorly, children grow at different rates, my son was a poorly baby and stayed very little until he was 16 and then he shot up and is a big strapping man, however unfortunately his illness returned. I suffered comments by other mothers that I wasnt feeding my son because of the way that he looked, what they didnt know was that he was a prem baby weighing at just 3lb.

My daughter on the other hand was huge despite being prem, she grew extremely quick, again I was accused of over feeding her and mothers thought I favoured my daughter over my son. My daughter suffers with a hormonal problem, which caused her to grow bigger.

 

I do sympathise with you as I know exactly what you are going through and its not easy. Dosnt help when people do not believe you either. its very frustrating.

 

Stay strong

[Ros1609]

If child protection were that concerned you wouldn't just have one missed call on your phone, you'd have a lot more. A friend of mine was reported by our Health Visitor last year and they turned up on the doorstep on the same day as the report was made.

 

My children are under the care of a paed. I find a little 'old school' and sometimes a little difficult to talk too but I think the one you saw was well out of order. My children have never been made to strip off and they have seperate appointments. He would never discuss my son at my daughters appointment and vice versa or have both their notes unless it was a double appointment. I think you have done the right thing in complaining.

 

As for the meeting that you weren't invited too. I would find out how you would get access to the minutes for it, who attended and what the plan is for your children if one was made. The professionals involved in my childrens care regularly meet to discuss them and give progress updates. I don't usually attend but my Health Visitor comes out on the same day to update me and sends me copies of any paperwork etc

[Teddybear154]

Thanks Seanamart , Ros 1609 and zonker for your replies, I just wanted to give you a little update and wanted to ask for more advice. I also wanted to clear one thing up. That is that the reason all my children came with me to both appointments is because I home educate them and had no one too look after them. Home educating your children is perfectly legal . The law only states that you have to provide your children with a education. Thousands of people across the country home educate there children.

 

Any way. I am still waiting to hear about my complaints I made to the trust and GMC. But have heard from social services. Social services came to my home today and were surprisingly nice. They had a copy of a letter that this paediatrician had written after first appointment and had sent to all professionals such as gp and health visitor. The Lady from social services were very surprised that we had not got a copy of this letter and that are name was not on the list of people letter had been sent to. She let me read the letter and I was shocked. The letter was full of lies after lies. Even the lady from social services could see half of it was lies

 

I gave the lady from social services, permission to contact various people, who I know will back me up and can prove the rest is also lies. Just an example in this letter he stated we have no contact with a Heath visitor. We see the hearth visitor every 2 weeks. I can prove this and I have the notes in my sons red book from each time she has seen him. The letter also stated that apparently my youngest son was failing to thrive due to lack of nutritional intake. He made no mention of my sons reflux. The letter was just shocking.

 

I want to get a copy of this letter. As I feel it would strengthen my complaint. I feel I should have recieved a copy of this letter and there is obviously a reason why he did not send us a copy of letter. How can I go about getting a copy of letter. My GP was sent a copy of letter. Can I just go and ask my GP for a copy or do I need to follow a certain procedure. Also out of Interest. How do I go about obtaining a copy of each of my children's medical records.

 

Any advice much appreciated

 

Thanks in advance.

[Ros1609]

Could you ask the social worker to photo copy it for you? I'm sure if you speak to the practice manager at your GP surgery she/he will tell you how to go about getting copies of the medical records

[seanamarts]

Pretty shocking, you should have received a copy, you should be able to phone the paediatricians secretary and request a copy, let her know that you didnt receive your copy and would like one for your records. If she refuses then request a copy from your GP, it may cost you though, My GP charges £5 for letters. however you can make an appointment to read your records. I know they do that in most surgeries, but it can vary for surgery to surgery. Its worth enquiring about.

 

Keep us posted

[LaughingGirl]

Terrible story. Do bear in mind that if you review your children's notes in the gp surgery, they may be incomplete in terms of what has been written by medical professionals from the hospital - sadly, gp's don't always get copied in when they should. you should be able to find out how to access their hospital records on your local hospitals website, or through pals.