Mansfield mum highlights need to still attend A&E after daughter Lilly is diagnosed with diabetes

The trust, which runs King’s Mill Hospital, in Sutton, and Mansfield Community Hospital, said staff are aware that during these unprecedented times it can be really daunting for people, but to bring loved ones who are unwell as soon as possible or dial 999 for general medical issues.

And a mum from Mansfield, who had to bring her daughter in to the trust’s A&E recently, is keen to get the message out there and let everyone know about the importance of acting quickly and taking your loved ones to hospital if you need to.

Terri Walker delayed bringing her eight-year-old daughter Lilly to the hospital, as she was so concerned about coronavirus and the effects it is having on hospital services.

But she did the right thing and brought her daughter in following the advice from her GP.

Terri said: “Lilly had been really tired and lethargic and really just not herself for a couple of days, but I was worried about bothering the health services at this time.

“Eventually though as time went on and she wasn’t getting better we got an appointment with her GP and we brought her straight in as we just knew she wasn’t right, under normal circumstances I would have definitely brought her in sooner.

“I was expecting a really panicked and overrun emergency department, but it was so calm and organised and everyone was brilliant and worked so quickly on Lilly. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and was extremely dehydrated, so they took her through to resus’ really quickly.

Lilly spent a total of four days at King’s Mill Hospital, learning with her parents about her condition and how to manage it.

Consultant Paediatrician and Service Director for Paediatrics, Helena Clements said: “Please don’t delay because of coronavirus, we are working really hard across our hospitals to ensure that clinical areas maintain strict infection control processes, so it is still a safe environment to bring your child to if you need to.”

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