"A&E"

I was working at the hospital and it was when I fainted I decided to admit myself to the A&E department. I had a vague idea of what it was that was wrong but wanted a second opinion and diagnosis. It was in the A&E waiting room that my condition took an unfortunate turn and I collapsed for a second time. I was moved to a bed in 'see and treat' or otherwise known as 'minors' as at that point that's where there was a bed for me to lie down. In there, I had no observations taken or anybody come to see if I was OK. Fortunately, my husband is a doctor (in a different department) and came to see me as soon as he could. He was horrified that I was in that room with the curtain closed for 4 hours before anybody came to see me. Even then, that was due to the cleaner telling an SHO I looked in a bit of pain. I'd like to say this was the end of the story but unfortunately it got worse. I was then seen by a Jr Doctor who quickly examined me telling me 'I'd better be quick otherwise we'll breach with you'. Unfortunately, that doctor missed every crucial examination on me and discharged me home very poorly. I then went home and was rushed to hospital (a different one requested by my husband) with septicaemia of Pyelonephritis. I was then on HDU for four days with a questionable kidney transplant.

I am well and recovered now and I cannot thank the staff enough at the second hospital I went too. They were diligent and caring. Unfortunately, in an environment like A&E you are sometimes seen as a 'number' and not a patient. The care is very rushed and as a patient you can feel like you are not being listened too as staff are too concerned with time breaches and bed spaces.

On the whole, I love the NHS and the work they do but on the odd occasion have felt very let down by poor systems and care in place.

Thank you