"A and E a shambles"

On a few occasions recently due to a complex health condition I have been admitted to accident and emergency by ambulance. The place is always utter chaos no matter what time or day, with patient's parked on trolleys for long periods in the corridors, often very unwell and vomiting or having suffered injuries, and it seems staff barely check on them unless an accompanying family member goes to seek assistance. The department is also well attended by people in police custody, handcuffed and accompanied by police officers. My husband and I counted 10 police officers on a recent visit, with very rowdy detainees who were clearly upsetting older patients and patients with children. Again, these detainees were parked handcuffed on trolleys in the corridor.

In total on my last visit, it took five and three quarter hours from admission by ambulance to me being transferred onto a ward. This place is in serious meltdown and something needs to be done urgently to improve the situation at the highest level as patients are suffering!