"A&E. Triage is a disgrace. Doctors are wonderful."

I called 111 for an emergency gp appointment because I was in agony with abdominal pain. I was advised they were going to call an ambulance but because I work in healthcare I told them I would get a taxi instead. It would be quicker for me and it would mean the ambulance was free to go to another emergency. I hadn't factored in that the triage at Broomfield hospital would leave me sitting groaning and sweating in agony for 4 hours whilst people with less serious problems ( for example, adults with sprained ankles who were able to walk on the injury) who came in after me were treated before me. When I finally got to see the dr, they seemed quite shocked and said "and you've been sitting in that waiting room in this amount of pain for four hours?", shaking their head. They immediately got some analgesia for me and very soon I had seen a specialist and was admitted for surgery. I cannot fault the doctors who saw me. They were so helpful and kind, and explained everything beautifully, but triage was a shambles and I suffered as a result.