"A and E Not Good Enough Service"

Went to A and E with letter from GP asking for urgent assessment because of very severe abdominal pain. Arrived at approximately 7pm. Was in excruiating pain and could barely stand. Booked myself in with receptionist who told me to take a seat. It was extremely busy; there were no seats available in the small waiting area. The waiting area is far too small considering it is an A and E department. It simply cannot accommodate the number of people attending. People were standing lining all the way along adjacent corridoors with many more people in wheelchairs and chairs also in the corridors. There was literally not even a space to stand anywhere. I was having to stand in the doorway. I then noticed a sign saying 7 hours waiting time. I was in unbearable pain and desperately needed a seat. I politely asked the receptionist if I would be waiting 7 hours to be seen. I explained how I was struggling to stand because of the pain I was in. She said they were very busy and offered no assistance at all, not even a chair.

A gentleman then arrived and tried to book in. She rudely told him it was 7 hours wait. Her tone with the man was very abrupt and dismissive. The man ended up going home. I was left in a great deal of pain loitering near the doorway. My husband was extremely worried about me and there was no way I could manage in that situation, it was too distressing given the pain I was in. We informed the receptionist that we were going to try another A and E dept given the dire situation at Wigan. She made no attempt to offer any assistance at all. We had to drive to Blackburn A and E. They were also very busy, but I was given a seat and triaged immediately and given pain relief. Shortly afterwards bloods were taken and I was seen by a doctor who arranged an urgent x ray. Within a couple of hours of arriving I was triaged by a nurse, bloods taken, seen a doctor, had x ray and admitted onto surgical assessment ward. All of the staff I dealt with were very caring and compassionate. I later noticed that Wigan hospital had rang my mobile number sometime in the evening after I had left their A abd E. I tried to return the call but could not get any reply and there was no facility to leave a message. I was in hospital for a few days. This meant my family having to travel almost an hours journey to visit. I am very grateful to Blackburn for the help I received. I will not return to Wigan A and E again. I had to go out of area in an urgent care situation in order to get treated properly. I live in Wigan and should be able to access their health services. I have worked in the NHS and understand the pressures on staff and the system. Patients' safety and effective treatment should be a priority. Wigan A and E seems unable to cope and patients are suffering because of this. I would ask the management to consider if this was their relative or loved one, would this kind of treatment be good enough??