"Receptionist on A&E desk was friendly..."

What I liked

Receptionist on A&E desk was friendly and helpful and arranged fracture clinic appointment promptly. Triage nurse saw was friendly.

What could be improved

On arriving at hospital, went to main reception expecting to be able to use lift to get to A&E department. Was advised had to go outside and up ramp to get to A&E because lift access went through staff only area. Had to obtain wheelchair prior to being pushed to A&E. Perhaps clearer signs advising parking situation on approach to A& E would help.

Following seeing Triage nurse waited in reception for standard 4 hours which was understandable as not emergency. Hopped through A&E to examination room where advised by nurse that foot not fractured but would send for Xray to reassure me and give me confidence to walk on it and I should be weightbearing. Hopped with assistance from friend from A&E to xray and attempted to weightbear on way back but couldnt due to pain, so hopped back. Following xray, same nurse advised possible fracture but couldnt decide and would refer to fracture clinic and provided crutches. Perhaps provision of crutches or wheelchair until fracture confirmed/ruled out should be considered as basic precaution, preventing possible risk of individuals weightbearing on fractured bones. Understandable clinicans may develop with experience ability to suggest possible diagnosis but to decide prior to xray seems somewhat neglectful and risk of causing further damage, if individuals attempt to mobilise on fractured bones. In my case fracture to fifth metatarsel had been sustained and was shown clearly on xray.