"Thank goodness for nurses."

Visited A & E on Sunday 12th October at 5pm having gone over on my ankle whilst out walking. I was admitted within 10 minutes and given a wheel chair as I couldn't walk and assessed 15 mins later and given painkillers. After half an hour called for x ray, so far fine. Waited another 3 hours to be seen but that's almost become an unacceptable 'norm' these days and it was very busy. In terms of cleanliness, there were soiled dressings on the floor of the assessment room and in the corridor. When I saw the doctor who confirmed no broken bones but then simply printed out a leaflet, told me to put frozen peas on it and said bye! I was in there for no more than 5 minutes. It was only thanks to the intervention of a nurse who saw my husband trying to help me, that I was given a splint and crutches. Still in agony several days later I saw my GP who was surprised that Airedale didn't give advice or a follow up appointment. The physio at the Coronation Hospital confirmed what I had derived from the internet that I suffered a severe sprain and the ligament is almost certainly torn off the bone and I will need to have a scan when the swelling has gone down enough. Overall the staff at Airedale were great, working in difficult circumstances with building work and too many patients in relation to staff numbers, but considering the pain I was in and the obvious injury the dismissive nature of the doctor's assessment was unacceptable. Recovery from this injury will take months and it is only because I looked for information on the internet that I have started that process.