"Very disappointed"

Upon being referred from ED to Zone C, the waiting room was small and filled quickly.

My mum accompanied me as my carer but has stage 4 cancer and is due to get major surgery.

We asked the receptionist if we could wait /stand near a window opposite reception - to avoid the crowded waiting area but this was prohibited - with a flimsy sign present that doesn’t understand cancer. 

A young couple came in to the waiting area, loaded with a virus, coughing everywhere and didn’t cover their mouths at all. My MS doesn’t handle viruses well, nor does mum’s cancer.

We asked the deputy sister if there was a safer / alternative waiting area but this wasn’t an option as they steadfastly declined to help.

Appallingly there was an empty chair further down the corridor but my mum and I resorted to sitting on the corridor floor - looking at the empty chair, which none of the staff were willing to move or accommodate - they were informed of our situation.

I understand there are viruses and unhygienic people in society but this was appalling - especially how it was handled.

Nursing is meant to be a caring profession, unfortunately the deputy sister was not a caring person at all. Very disappointing. 

Now… trying to get up from the floor will be fun…