On Wednesday 24th April, I attended QMC A+E department due to having a anaphylactic reaction. On arrival I was alone and went to check in on the entrance desk. I was very short of breathe and struggling to speak in more than 2 word sentences. I explained I suffer with anaphylactic reactions and had used my epipen, but symptoms were getting worse. The man on the desk took my details needed and told me to wait for a triage niurse . Somebody then came to see me from NEMS and explained that if somebody doesn't necessarily need A+E attention they see NEMS instead. The man from NEMS looked at me and realised how severe my reaction was and that my throat was quickly closing. He took me straight through to the cubicles in A+E where 2 doctors and plenty of nurses attended me and gave me the appropriate medication needed to try reversing the reaction. I was then rushed through to resucitation for immediate care. So, the point I'm getting to is, if the man on the entrance desk understood ( or even cared) about the severity of an anaphylactic reaction, I wouldn't of been waiting so long to see NEMS ( which is crazy, I obviously needed urgent help). Which would of meant I could of been given more adreneline sooner and the reaction not be as severe. The doctors and nurses involved in my care was great, and explained everything. Just a shame that I wasnt given the immediate help needed. I understand A+E have targets, long waiting times and a lot of pressure. But surely, when somebody is suffering a life threatening illness this should be given a slighter higher priority and definatly not be given over to NEMS due to not being serious enough to be in A+E??? Luckily, I recovered quickly after and haven't suffered long term, this could of been very different.
"A+E due to anaphylactic reaction"
About: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Queen's Medical Centre Campus Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Queen's Medical Centre Campus Nottingham NG7 2UH
Posted via nhs.uk
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