7th September 2025

An Essex mum has turned to private healthcare after struggling to get answers from their local NHS GP practice over a series of ongoing medical concerns affecting two of her children.

The parent, who asked not to be named, told the Gazette they felt left with “no option but to seek private care” after repeated delays, missed follow-ups, and what they describe as a lack of joined-up responses between specialists and their GP.

For one child, recent blood tests reportedly showed:

  • Prolactin levels double the expected range, with a private specialist advising retesting and examination if the abnormality persisted.
  • Thyroid irregularities and very low vitamin D levels (measured at 19).

Despite this, the parent says the NHS GP only agreed to recheck vitamin D levels and did not prescribe supplements — raising fears of conditions such as rickets being overlooked.

The second child, already under investigation for an immune system abnormality, was said to have had a dermatologist referral prioritised instead of more urgent issues flagged by specialists. The mum claims a new rash reaction, after steroid cream was used, was not reviewed, and that requests for an examination were dismissed.

The parent added that during the same consultation, the GP unexpectedly raised the subject of physical chastisement, which they described as “deeply uncomfortable and inappropriate.”

Frustrated, the family sought advice privately. They now worry their experience is part of a wider issue of NHS commissioning pressures.

“I am passionate about the NHS offering equitable care to all,” the parent said. “But I am aware of the financial restraints being placed on local commissioners. I’m willing to share information and look at where savings can be made — but patients should not be left without proper follow-up or treatment because of cuts.”

Campaigners have long warned that cost-saving measures at Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Integrated Care Board (ICB) level can lead to rationing of services, meaning conditions are left unchecked until families either go private or escalate complaints.

This distraught mum  hopes their experience will encourage others to come forward, and call for greater transparency in how NHS resources are prioritised.