Shocking pic shows girl, 8, sleeping on hospital floor after 'six-hour wait for bed'

A shocking picture of a young girl sleeping on a hospital floor with suspected meningitis has been shared on social media.

It is thought the girl, believed to be eight years old, was at the Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, Scotland on Tuesday night.

A photo was shared on Facebook of her lying curled up on a jacket on the floor of the A&E department while she was waiting to be assessed for possible meningitis. 

It is claimed she was not offered a bed or even given a blanket, despite having to wait six hours for treatment.

Now hospital bosses are urging the parents of the photographed girl to come forwards to have a confidential discussion about what happened.

The youngster apparently had a suspicious rash but was discharged after being diagnosed with a common cold.

But then a woman called Denise McLean, who claimed to be a friend of the child's grandparents, shared the photo of her lying on the floor on Facebook.

Alongside the photo Denise wrote: "A very big message to our politicians. Our children deserve better in January 2020. Stop talking and do something please!!!."

She added: “The forgotten child. This eight-year-old deserved better at A&E last night. No beds. No blanket given, and sleeping on her jacket.

"NHS Highland – six hours of uncare."

The photo has now been removed but not before the hospital saw it, which is why they are now pleading for the child's parent's to come forward.

Katherine Sutton, head of acute services for NHS Highland, said: "Our emergency department provides high-quality care for all patients that attend.

"This is done through an initial clinical assessment that identifies the appropriate treatment and care required to meet patient need.

"We have become aware of an image that is circulating on social media and are looking into the circumstances.

"The parent has not been in touch with us to raise any concerns and we would encourage them to contact our feedback team in order to have a confidential discussion with them directly and identify any opportunities to improve our services."

Highland MSP Kate Forbes said: "One of the most distressing experiences for any parent is when their young child is ill, and it is at times like these that we are reminded how immensely thankful we should be to live in a country with healthcare free at the point of need.

"Doctors, nurses and medical staff work round the clock to provide emergency care, and the work they do is nothing short of heroic.

"I have seen this post on social media, and I have made inquiries as a matter of urgency so that the health board can investigate this further.

"I understand that there have been no formal complaints raised as yet with the health board, which should be the first port of call.

"I would hope that all sick children get the emergency care that they need in any hospital, let alone Raigmore in the Highlands."