I recently phoned the doctors’ emergency service when my son became ill over the weekend complaining of a chesty cough, headache and sore throat.
The nurse practioner who phoned back advised me it was probably viral, there was no need for him to be seen and he should take paracetamol for his temperature and ibruprofen.
My husband and I were not happy with this diagnosis and decided to take him to the NHS Walk-in Centre at Colchester after seeing the article in the Gazette (February 11).
He was seen within 45 minutes. He had a thorough examination and the diagnosis was a chest infection, something that is definitely not viral and will not go away just by taking paracetamol and ibruprofen.
He was issued a prescription for antibiotics and advised he should start taking them as soon as possible.
The service was excellent and we would recommend anyone to use the facility.
Celine Oxley
Kirby Cross
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