"Asthma attack at Kingston Hospital"

I suffered an asthma attack after which I went to see a GP who observed me and treated me for an hour. However, they were very concerned and sent me to hospital. The GP checked with Kingston A&E that they had capacity to see me quickly and sent me in with a referral note.

When I arrived, I waited for more than an hour despite my condition. I was surrounded by people with stubbed toes and grazed knees. When I was finally seen in A&E I received two of the six forms of treatment/observation I would normally have. They were busy and it seemed to me they clearly wanted to get me out quickly - and I can understand the pressure to do this.

Having had asthma my whole life (I'm 28), I was really shocked at the treatment and when I was told I could go home after half an hour I had to ask for some medication - which I thought I would have automatically been given. The same night following the appointment I then got worse during the night and the next day because I didn't have the treatment I should have had.

Thankfully I'm young and fit and live with a doctor (I didn't tell them I lived with a doctor). But if this had happened to someone who doesn't bounce back as quickly, and someone without a doctor as a housemate, then there might be worrying consequences.

Next time, I'll ask the GP to send me elsewhere.