Care Opinion

Swallowed penny

Posted By Granny K

"Swallowed penny"

About: NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service) University Hospital Wishaw / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

My granddaughter swallowed a penny yesterday. She was very embarrassed and admitted it right away. I contacted NHS 24 and the call was answered within 10 minutes by the lovely Julie, who after consulting a nurse advised a trip to A&E.

My granddaughter exhibited no symptoms and was breathing normally and sipping water but the concern was the penny may have lodged in her lung.

On arrival at Wishaw General A&E department, my grandaughter was quickly triaged and sent for an X-ray. The radiographers were fantastic and explained to her exactly what the procedure involved. They then showed us the X-ray, pointed out her heart, lungs, ribs and the very bright outline of the penny safety passed into her stomach.

We then saw Dr Rodgers who gave her another examination and gave me some follow-up information; seemingly it can take up to 6 weeks to pass!

I can’t praise all the NHS professionals enough for their excellent care and the way they explained what was happening to a concerned grandmother and to be honest a fascinated 4-year-old. I just hope she’s never tempted to do it again...

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Responses

Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 nearly 2 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 19/05/2023 at 14:24
Published on Care Opinion at 14:24

picture of Shona Lawrence

Dear Granny K

Thanks for sharing your story on Care Opinion. What a revelation - up to six weeks to pass a penny! I hope all goes well and the rogue penny makes an appearance soon. One to keep in a jar perhaps for story telling in years to come:)

It sounds as though your granddaughter coped with all this admirably. Well done to her. I'm sure you could have done without a trip to A&E, however it was clearly sensible to get her checked over and to get some reassurance that all was well.

The staff who cared for your granddaughter (and for you) sound great. Well done to the team at Wishaw Hospital. I'm sure they'll be delighted to see your kind feedback.

Thanks also for mentioning your call to NHS 24. I'm pleased Julie left such a positive impression on you.

Stories such as yours are great for our staff to see as we don't often get to hear what happens following a call to our service. If you would be kind enough to contact me with some additional detail, I could share you story more widely within NHS 24 and directly with Julie. You can call me on 07814 299944 or email Patient.Experience@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk

Thanks again and best wishes to you both.

Shona

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Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 nearly 2 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 19/05/2023 at 15:28
Published on Care Opinion at 15:28

picture of Shona Lawrence

Hi K

Thanks for much for getting in touch. It was great to hear from you. Thanks for the additional information which will enable us to share your feedback with the staff involved in your granddaughter's care.

From what you shared with me, it sounds as though it was quite a day of it with mayhem unfolding around you. 'The Perfect Storm' as so eloquently described you! I'm so pleased to hear you say you felt Julie was calming and reassuring.

I'm sure Julie, and the Senior Charge Nurse who provided advice to attend at A&E, will be delighted to learn of the positive outcome.

Thanks again and best wishes.

Shona

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Response from Jennifer Montgomery, Improvement Coordinator, Quality Directorate, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Jennifer Montgomery
Improvement Coordinator, Quality Directorate,
NHS Lanarkshire

Operational Lead for Care Opinion in NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 19/05/2023 at 17:49
Published on Care Opinion at 17:49

picture of Jennifer Montgomery

Dear Granny K,

Thank you for sharing your experience of University Hospital Wishaw, A&E department.

I am sorry to hear of your granddaughter swallowing a penny, these kids like to keep us on our toes! This must have been a worrying time for you.

I am pleased to hear that you and your granddaughter witnessed and experienced the exceptional care that our busy teams aim to deliver every day. Your feedback will give the team a much needed boost and I will be sure to feed this back to them.

I hope your granddaughter is recovering well, and staying away from pennies!

Kind Regards,

Jenni

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