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I went for a meal in the countryside of bedfordshire. Before we finally found a restaurant I was feeling very unwell. I suffer from a rare form of Angina and was experiencing chest pain on exertion and rest. The medication I take for chest pain worked however I was using the spray more than usual. I also suffering from renal disease, high blood pressure and other medical conditions. My parents took me to the nearest A&E Luton and Dunstable Hospital. When I arrived I saw a Nurse and told her that I was experiencing chest pain. I said I have angina. I waiting quite a while before I saw a Nurse, I understood it was very busy, however I thought due to past experiences suffering from a angina attack that I would be seen quickly. I waiting many hours until it was nearly might I was in A&E nearly 5 hours. I was greeted by a pleasant Doctor, and he took a brief medical history. At first I was pleased with the care I received, I wasnt pleased that I had to wait such a longtime to see a Doctor for chest pain. The Doctor said he wanted me to have a blood test and ecg. The Nurse/ HCA that took the blood seemed friendly chatty and ok. However when the blood didnt come out she called for another Doctor to take blood. I was very sore after the first attempt, and also I dont like needles. Due to my medical condition I have regular blood tests and my veins are very damaged, so its usually difficult to draw blood. While the Doctor was trying to take blood, the HCA held my other arm, and not just held gently to reassure, but using quite a bit of force. I couldn't pull my arm away from her. She would let go, it was like being restrained. I wasn't very distressed by this experience, it was very rough. It wasn't necessary. I was so sore after both these blood test attempts, but I was lefted with a sore wrist a few hours after the HCA held my arm. My mother and I were so shocked by the care, I self discharged. At the time I didn't mention to staff that a member of staff held me so I couldn't move. My mother said that staff shouldn't be restraining patients. I agree with her, I was so upset by the care I experienced. My arm this morning is bruised not caused by the blood test attempt. It was caused by the HCA holding my arm down. She was so strong I couldn't pull my arm away from her, and place it next to my body. I have never known a patient to be restrained by a HCA while having a blood test. It has lefted me shaking, and upset, and scared to return to this hospital is I was poorly in the area.
"Bad A&E experience"
About: Luton & Dunstable Hospital Luton & Dunstable Hospital Luton LU4 0DZ
Posted via nhs.uk
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