"3rd world care for the elderly- avoid"

4hr+ wait in the hallway in A&E for elderly mother arriving by ambulance, wasnt allowed to stay with her so had to wait in A&E area. She was frightened and confused no-one asked her if she needed to go to the toilet .. she had a UTI - and only when she became distressed did they come and get me 4hrs later. I checked every half hour I couldnt believe she could be waiting that long on a trolley. No food no water - inhumane treatment of our elderly. What a waste of parmedics time too sho have to wait with patients. 20+ attempts to get blood her arms were black and blue all over. Surely they must have specialists for people who are difficult to bleed . Poor and too quick diagnosis to the point of telling her she has cancer which has metastastised with probably weeks to live( impression not told so) to a complete U turn next day. The thyroid cancer turns out to be goitre and overactive thyroid and maybe a small tumour on pancreas but could also be a cyst. General lack of communication between doctors and specialists and a feeling of lack of information, frustration and isolation for family. Admitted with a UTI and diagnosed again shortly after discharge with another UTI. Mum is back home now but she is not the same person she was and whether she ever will be I am not sure. She is depressed, in shock and traumatised by it all. Overall a shocking experience for the family and one I wouldnt wish on anyone. Incidentally my DD got her earring embedded in her ear last week and was in and out in an hour. The treatment for children is good but they need to do the same for our elderly - I saw a number of injured aged people sitting in A&E for hours - its just inhumane in this day and age.