"The nurses when eventually (14 ..."

What I liked

The nurses when eventually (14 hours later) I was transferred to a ward. Caring and considerate.

What could be improved

The attitudes of staff in A&E. I was suffering with extreme gallbladder pain and went to a toilet to be sick and clean myself up. (There were no sick bowls in the cubicle and thought better of vomiting on the already filthy floor.) Whilst in the toilet a male nurse started banging on the door and telling me to put my cigarette out! I told him I was being sick and to leave me be, but he was having none of it! He proceeded to open the door. I was furious at this violation of my privacy but as I was in a great deal of pain there was nothing I could do. No amount of pleading would make him believe that I hadn't been smoking in there. (I don't smoke anyway) He was shouting at me and started searching the cubicle after I left. I am sorry if they (the staff) have to put up with less considerate patients failing to observe No Smoking policy but this doesn't give them the right to treat ill patients with such contempt and disregard. I would have liked an apology for this nurses behaviour but I decided not to pursue the matter for my own sanity. His attitude was thoroughly disgusting and I would have loved to have known what gave him the idea that he could open the door whilst the toilet was in occupancy. Incidentally as a non-smoker I can tell when cigarettes have been smoked recently and there was nothing (no smell, smoke or discarded butt) to prove him right.

Also the state of the treatment rooms were appalling. Dried blood on the walls and on the metal parts of the trolley and chair.

Security was terrible. Whilst lying on the trolley in pain I was approached by other "patients" asking for spare change and cigarettes.

This frightened me as they wandered into my room where I was alone and I felt too scared to close my eyes to rest.

Anything else?

I really don't expect to be treated like royalty whilst receiving treatment in any hospital but I do truly believe that there should be certain levels of care and standards that shouldn't be deviated from under any circumstances. I understand that it is impossible to give an accurate time period in which treatment is given (emergencies not permitting)but I feel that vulnerable patients (lone females, elderly, those in extreme pain and children) should be looked after better whilst awaiting treatment. ie Better security guards with powers to stop other patients roaming the entire treatment area.