I spent four hours in A&E last night and the treatment I received was exemplary. However my perception of the whole process was colored by the waiting areas in which I had to spend most of my time.It was so uncomfortable and disorganized that by the time I got to see someone I had received the firm impression that the A&E department was a useless shambles.The chairs are the most uncomfortable you could find,there are not enough of them for what seemed to be a moderately quiet night and a number of them were broken. there is nothing like enough room and the space bundles people together in a way that they find discomforting. There is no information to tell them what is going on and when they might be seen. May I suggest a bigger waiting area,the vending machines could be moved further up the corridor for a start.More comfortable chairs,the patients demeanor will improve rapidly.Some sort of screen with a "departure board" on it that will give the customer a clue as to how long they might wait and some distraction,perhaps a TV with subtitles to keep us amused. You need to understand that first impressions tend to colour the whole experience. Make them good and your approval rating will rocket
"A&E waiting area"
About: William Harvey Hospital (Ashford) / Accident and emergency William Harvey Hospital (Ashford) Accident and emergency Ashford TN24 0LZ
Posted via nhs.uk
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