Care Opinion

Child being let down by NHS following covid infection

Posted By rainbb65

"Child being let down by NHS following covid infection"

About: General practices in Fife Victoria Hospital / Communicable Diseases

(as a parent/guardian),

My son has had ongoing low energy since he caught Covid in Oct 2021. To the point where he has missed significant periods of schooling (almost 3 years) and is now in 6th year struggling to attend and school are threatening to ask him to leave due to his difficulty in attending/engaging which are a DIRECT result of his low energy levels. Additionally he regularly gets dizzy on standing up from a seated position and has, on one occasion fainted.

The last time we attended the GP, we were advised that perhaps we get some Vitamin d, as that may be helpful whilst we await a further blood test in January 2025, after 2 tests around Sep/Oct time came back 'slightly off' in relation to liver function and lymphocyte levels. No other checks have been taken recently e.g. blood pressure, stand test, ECG, and I felt completely dismissed at the last appointment when making suggestions for alternative options (nutritional tests).

This has been going on for nearly 3 years and we have had various suggestions which include; give it time, it sounds post viral, to, more recently, no idea lets just wait for the next set of results to come back. Not good enough in my opinion.

I have requested to see a copy of all his medical records, including results from tests carried out both at GP and the hospital and I have also requested further opinion however I have received nothing as yet.

I feel that we and him have been fobbed off, disregarded, and let down by the system and I am concerned about the long term impacts on his health and general development and wellbeing.

It is extremely challenging trying to advocate for your child when there is no one to advocate to.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Shelley McBain, Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership 2 months ago
Shelley McBain
Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care,
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 23/12/2024 at 16:20
Published on Care Opinion at 16:20

picture of Shelley McBain

Good afternoon rainbb65

My name is Shelley McBain and I am the interim Service Manager for Primary Care. I am sorry that you feel you have been let down in the care of your son. I would like to take the opportunity to discuss this further with you, and link in with your GP practice, if possible. If you could please email me directly (shelley.mcbain2@nhs.scot) and we can arrange a convenient time to discuss this.

Thank you,

Shelley

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Siobhan Mcilroy, Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Siobhan Mcilroy
Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 24/12/2024 at 12:24
Published on Care Opinion at 12:24

picture of Siobhan Mcilroy

Hi rainbb65

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’m really sorry to hear about the challenges your son has been facing since his illness. It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and concerned, especially when it impacts his education and overall well-being.

I want you to know that your concerns are heard, and it’s important to us that you and your son receive the support you need. I see that Shelly McBain has reached out to you but If you’d like to discuss this further or share more details about your situation with myself, please feel free to contact me directly at fife.careopinionfife@nhs.scot, putting "child being let down by NHS following covid infection" in the subject heading. I’m here to listen and help in any way I can.

Your advocacy for your son is vital, and I’d like to ensure that we address your concerns appropriately. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes, Siobhan

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Shelley McBain, Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership last month
Shelley McBain
Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care,
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 20/01/2025 at 18:47
Published on Care Opinion at 18:47

picture of Shelley McBain

Dear rainbb65

Thank you for taking the time speak with me about your experience. I hope after our discussion you feel somewhat reassured. As agreed, I reached out to the GP Practice today who confirmed that they would be in touch, to discuss your concerns.

I hope you get to the bottom of your sons health and general development and well being. and I wish you both well.

Take care, and thanks again

Shelley

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k