"Worst A&E experience ever"

Unfortunately, I broke my leg while I was near Kingston Hospital.

I spent a very awful 2 1/2 hours in the waiting area of the A&E before anyone even saw me.

Eventually, I was seen and after an 1 1/2 hours of xrays and waiting more in a room within the department, I was told that I "broke my ankle" which was not entirely true.

Not one person accurately articulated to me that had in fact broken my tibia and fibula just above my ankle, so I had no idea what had actually happened to me.

I was very clear that I was going to continue my care at my local hospital, which was the Royal Free in Hampstead, so it was irresponsible for the drs not to let me know the extent of my injury in its entirety.

After seven hours of being there, I was finally given a simple paracetamol for pain... for a broken leg!

It was laughable to think that would help and of course did nothing to stop the pain.

It was decided that they need some blood samples for whatever reason even though I was telling the staff that I would be on my way to the Royal Free immediately once assessed so I'm not sure why they thought that was necessary. I told the phlebotomist that my veins are small and that I needed a butterfly with the needle.

They nodded and inserted the needle.

Well, my vein collapses and blood comes out.

Then they said, "I guess you need the butterfly".

Really??

Didn't I just say that?

The fact that I wasn't listened to was very insulting to me.

After 7 1/2 hours at the A&E, I made sure to kindly ask that my xrays be sent to the Royal Free as I was on my way.

I was given two very mismatched crutches (gee, thanks!) and took a taxi to the Royal Free.

Upon arrival to the RF, of course my xrays or information was not sent and thus delayed my intake there.

But at least once at the RF, I could get more competent and expedient care.

I will never recommend Kingston Hospital to anyone!