Explain to the mum as below:
Siobhan, thank you for calling in today — I understand how busy things must be for you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to discuss Connor’s symptoms. You’ve done the right thing by reaching out, especially after the health visitor’s advice.
From what you’ve described — ear pain, fever, and yellowish discharge from his right ear — it sounds very much like a middle ear infection, known as otitis media. It’s quite common in young children and often follows a cold or congestion. The fact that there’s now discharge suggests that the eardrum may have burst slightly, which can relieve the pressure and pain — that’s quite typical and usually heals on its own.
Given that it’s been over 48 hours and there’s discharge along with fever, I think it would be reasonable to start antibiotics. I can send a prescription for you to collect — you should start the course straight away. Make sure he continues to drink plenty of fluids and you can also give paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever and pain.
If Connor’s symptoms don’t improve within the next couple of days, or if they get worse — especially if he develops swelling or redness behind the ear, becomes unusually drowsy, or is not passing urine as usual — please let us know immediately or call 111 or 999, depending on the situation.
I’d also like to see Connor in person, if possible, just to check his ears and general health — but I completely understand that you’re at work, and your parents can’t bring him in today. We can arrange a follow-up in 2–3 days, either by phone or face-to-face, depending on what works best for you.
I also noticed from our records that he missed his 4-in-1 preschool booster, and there was a missed physiotherapy appointment for his in-toeing. These things are important, and I understand that juggling work and caring for two children on your own is challenging. But to make sure Connor’s health needs are fully met, it’s really important that we try not to miss appointments where possible. If things ever feel overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to speak to us, we can offer support or refer you to services that help parents manage in difficult situations.
Let’s get a new referral to the physiotherapy team arranged for you, and I’ll also ask our reception team to help you book Connor’s missed vaccinations — we want to make sure he’s fully protected.
Finally, I’ll document everything we’ve discussed and arrange that prescription now. Would you prefer to pick it up from the pharmacy directly or from the surgery?