NHS chiefs berate toddler for not using health service 'more wisely'

Morgan Bell was twice rushed by his parents to his local hospital's accident and emergency department, suffering from severe tonsillitis.

He had a temperature of over 40 degrees, was fitting and vomiting and was kept in overnight at Hull Royal Infirmary.

But his family were horrified when they received a letter - firmly addressed to their son - telling him to be "more resourceful of NHS resources".

It even advised him to attend a minor injuries unit instead of A&E - despite the unit not treating children aged under two.

Morgan's mother Emma Lloyd, 32, said: "I'm absolutely disgusted. It's a shameful thing to send out to parents who worry constantly about their children.

"It adds pressure on us. I was terrified to see Morgan like that. If it's about money, I would have sold the clothes on my back to get him to A&E."

Morgan was first taken to the emergency department in January when he was terribly ill with the distressing symptoms, and again in May by the concerned couple when he had a similar bout of severe tonsillitis.

His father Dad Philip Bell, 30, added: "This letter is questioning why I took my child to hospital. If Morgan falls ill again and gets a temperature of over 40 degrees, am I supposed to keep him at home so I don't waste NHS resources?

"It makes you worried to go to the hospital in case you get a letter. I felt it was a threatening letter.

"The paramedics and doctors obviously thought he needed to be there in January. We took him back to A&E for a second time in May because we thought he was starting again and we didn't want to risk it."

The controversial letter was generated by computer by NHS Hull and apparently refers to the family's visit in May.

It told Morgan that the average A&E appointment costs more than 100 pounds - which will increase if tests, X-rays or other treatments are needed.

The primary care trust have admitted it was "inappropriate" to address the letter to the toddler and added it should not have been sent to the family.

A spokeswoman said: "In this instance, it was not appropriate for the letter to suggest the use of Bransholme Minor Injuries Unit as an alternative, owing to the child's age, and it would have been more appropriate for the letter to have been addressed to the child's parent or guardian.

"Once the computer system is triggered by a visit for a minor illness or problem, a standard letter is generated in the name of the patient. As Mr Bell has already been in contact with the practice about this issue, we would encourage him to speak to the practice again to try to resolve any concerns he may have."

A spokeswoman for East Riding Of Yorkshire Local Involvement Network, the East Riding's independent health watchdog, said minor injuries units should be more widely publicised.

However, she added: "We would not want anyone to feel it is not appropriate for them to attend A&E if they feel they need accident and emergency attention.

"We recognise each person has to make a judgement as to the level of emergency and take the action that they feel is appropriate to the situation at that time."