"Really good."

What I liked

I attended A&E on April 7 2011 at about 12.30pm and left at about 4.15p.m. As I had chest pain the receptionist had me admitted immediately and personally took me to triage. I was seen straight away, both the doctors I saw were calm, they took the time to listen to me and my concerns, and the nurse was also calm and very professional. The atmosphere was very positive. I was in the observation bay opposite the staff workstation and had several hours to observe, I felt that there was genuine mutual regard and teamwork on this shift and I was kept informed throughout the process which really helped as my symptoms were quite frightening and I rarely attend hospital. Thankyou to everyone for my care, I was really impressed.

What could be improved

What can be improved is the parking situation. As I was an emergency my partner brought me by car, bus was not an option. There was a 20 min wait for a hospital parking space. We are both retired, so could never have afforded the up- to -£14 parking charge. As a result he had to return home and I was alone during a frightening time.

Anything else?

It would be good if A&E patients were offered a tea and snacks trolley service as are inpatients, I would have really like something to eat and drink but I was stuck in the observation bay for nearly four hours not knowing where to get anything to eat or drink.