Quick thinking saved our son (From Stroud News and Journal)

Quick thinking saved our son

A STROUD dad has praised the county's medical staff and the teaching profession after his young son was rushed to hospital with suspected Meningitis.

Little Calum Mathison, four, went off to school as usual last Tuesday but at lunchtime his parents Jim and Hannah received the phone call every parent dreads.

"We were told our son had collapsed and had been rushed to hospital with suspected Meningitis," said Mr Mathison of Bisley Old Road.

"Our healthy, happy Calum went off to school as usual full of beans," said his horticulturist dad who had no reason to suspect what was about to unfold that morning.

Calum was first treated at Stroud Hospital and then taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where his relieved parents were then told the youngster did not have Meningitis.

"It was thought he had some kind of convulsion. It was still alarming for us but not too serious for Calum," said Mr Mathison. However the ordeal left the family shaken and Mr Mathison said he cannot praise the professionals involved enough.

"All too often we hear gloomy stories about the failings of our education system and our health service.

"But our experience in our family paints a different picture to the one often portrayed.

"We will never forget those awful hours while we waited anxiously to see if Calum was going to regain consciousness.

"But what was immensely comforting and impressive was the speed at which the staff at Stroud Valley School reacted to the situation and likewise the medical staff at Stroud Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal.

"Everything swung into action like a well-oiled machine The Mathison's felt without the help and kindness of the school and teacher Katie Hawkins who stayed by Calum's side throughout the ordeal their son may not have been so fortunate.

"All these people pulled together and were fantastic," said Mr Mathison.

And he added: "The care our family received was absolutely first class and cannot be measured by any league table or by the length of any hospital waiting list.

"I for one hope that these dedicated professions continue to get the investment, support and the rewards they so richly deserve.

Calum is now back at home enjoying family life with his younger brother two-year-old Archie and his very grateful parents.