This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

A & E

Story from nhs.uk

"A & E"

About: South Tyneside District Hospital

Took my 82 year old dad to A & E on request of doctor after home visit. He could only walk one step, with the aid of a walking stick, without stopping to get his breath. Went into reception to find a wheelchair to discover there were none available. I left him waiting and went to A & E reception to tell them of our difficulties. They gave no help at all telling me that we had to look for one and I had to return to my dad. Took a long time to walk him into the reception and then waiting area and he was in a state when I got him there. He was admitted into hospital and has been there over a month. Surely there should be more wheelchairs available and a more caring staff on the reception at A & E.

More about:
nhs.uk logo
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from South Tyneside District Hospital 9 years ago
South Tyneside District Hospital

Submitted on 23/09/2014 at 15:40
Published on nhs.uk on 24/09/2014 at 04:01

Thank you for taking the time to record your recent experience of our services on the NHS Choices website. I am truly sorry there were no wheelchairs available for your father and can understand him having to walk to the A&E Department would only have exacerbated his condition. We do always try to ensure there is a supply of wheelchairs close to each entrance of the hospital, however, what we find is they are removed and left in various places across the hospital site! We have recently ordered an additional ten wheelchairs to try and ease the problems encountered by patients and visitors. I will also forward your comments on the relevant managers as the staff in A&E should have been more helpful and I apologise for this. I do hope your father is comfortable and the care he is receiving is of our usual high standard. Kind regards Lorraine B Lambert Chief Executive

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k