I’m a social worker & parents need to stop calling NHS 111 all the time – it’s controversial but it can be a red flag

WHEN you’re a parent, especially a new one, the fear of doing something wrong can be overwhelming. 

Is this rash serious? Why won’t my baby stop crying? Should I be worried about this bump on the head? 

In the UK, many parents turn to NHS 111, the non-emergency medical helpline, for advice. 

It seems like the responsible thing to do – a way to get professional guidance and peace of mind without cluttering up A&E.

But what if doing the “right thing” could actually put a spotlight on your family?

That’s the controversial message in a viral TikTok from a social worker, who is known as ‘cindyabiceo’, and has been working in the field for eight years. 

In a candid video, she says she’s “scared to talk about this” but feels it’s a vital piece of information that parents need to know.

The social worker explains that her team is receiving an increasing number of referrals for cases that seem like simple accidents.

She explains that accidents like bumping heads, or falling over can sometimes be flagged to social services – when it was just an accident that can happen to any child.

It is the everyday mishaps that happen in any family, but they are now being flagged to social services.

The reason, according to the video, is that social services can access health files, police records, and education information. 

While this access is meant to be rational and reasonable, governed by policies and GDPR, it means that a single call to NHS 111 can leave a permanent mark on your family’s file.

The social worker says she’s seeing parents who are simply trying to do the right thing by seeking professional advice being penalised for it.

“Parents are doing the right thing in contacting NHS 111, going to the hospital… and being penalised for doing the right thing,” she says. 

“I am really concerned that parents are doing the right thing and being penalised for doing the right thing.”

It’s crucial to understand that the social worker isn’t advising parents to avoid seeking medical help. 

Not dettering

She’s explicitly clear on this point, stating, “I’m not trying to deter you from that.” 

Instead, she wants parents to be aware of how their information is being used.

The main takeaway is to be mindful. 

When you contact services like NHS 111, the hospital, or your GP, don’t be afraid to ask, “Where does my information go from here?” 

If my child falls and hits their head I will be calling for advice on what to do if you have nothing to hide you would do so

TikTok comment

The social worker says that many parents aren’t being asked for consent before their information is shared with children’s services, which she believes is an issue.

She’s not talking about serious cases of neglect or abuse. 

The concern is for the countless families who have never had contact with social services before and are now being flagged for what are, in most cases, simple, innocent accidents.

Her goal is to empower parents to be informed and prepared, so if a referral to social services does happen, you’re not caught completely off guard. 

The system is designed to protect children, but this social worker’s message is a stark reminder that even a well-intentioned call can be viewed through a very different lens.

Her video gained 254.2k views and 658 comments after five days of people sharing and many people have mixed opinions. 

“Please don’t deter people from calling. If they don’t call and something happens its way worse,” one wrote.

A second added: “If my child falls and hits their head I will be calling for advice on what to do if you have nothing to hide you would do so.” 

While a third said: “As a mum with health anxiety I’m always on at my GP, 111 etc. Feel free to dig around because I’ve got nothing to hide.”