"Poor care and communication at A&E"

In the early hours of Tuesday morning in April 2007 my son was taken to Accident and Emergency by ambulance as he had been suffering with terrifying fits when awakening from his sleep in the early hours. I had been informed by a GP via NHS direct that I should request an ambulance should the fits continue, which they did.

Upon arrival I walked into A&E where all the staff were congregated by the nurses station. I heard one male nurse state "it takes all sorts" when the paramedics were informing staff of my son's condition. A short time later the Doctor on duty was talking about my son stating his condition was a difficult one to diagnose because his symptoms were only occurring whilst he was asleep, I then heard another female member of the staff state "well he shouldn't go to sleep then should he" and then another female member of staff state "well at least he's not come in drunk, so we should be able to do something for him". Nurses were also shouting out confidential information regarding patients which I heard quite clearly. I think the professionalism of certain staff was absolutely appalling and I am totally disgusted by the total disregard and lack of respect shown to myself and my son at this most distressing time. I work within the NHS and I know this behaviour is not what is expected of any member of staff.