"I feel it has to change big time"

My own experience

First of all I have spent a lot of time over the years in and out of hospital, of course I do try to avoid it, who likes hospitals, but they are a necessity for us all who find ourselves ill. You could say the good old days where better, more nurses, less issues with drugs and drink, wasn’t perfect .

I know writing this will not change things right away, but if nothing else the issues need to be addressed, for the sake of the patient, especially those who are elderly, it just isn’t right that they should suffer.

One thing I am not is a moaner, I have run my own business for the past 25 years so I know to well the stress of getting things done especially in retail.

I would consider myself determined, done marathons and triathlons so I know what it takes to achieve something, the hard work and the mental approach.

One evening in July, I went to A&E at Altnagelvin. I had been sick for two days, vomiting and my usual problem with blockage in the bowel, that I have had over the years, with diverticulitis. I do try and hope it goes away, but sometimes I need fluids urgently it gets that bad, so I had no choice I had to go to A&E.

Everyone try’s to avoid A&E we all know what it is like, total madness. especially on the weekend evenings.

I never once thought it would take 16hr just to get a bed, and for many that is quick, after the first ten hours I was finally getting a drip on a chair  in A&E which I didn’t mind  as long as I was getting fluids .

In those first 10 hr I was in and out of triage, you go in then go out to main waiting area and wait to be called again etc bloods assessments etc

Not only did I have to contend with my own illness, but also had to experience the anti social behaviour caused by drugs and alcohol and the fear of being attacked, even though the police where also outside dealing with problem people.

I think the worst thing of all was watching the elderly and young families with very sick children, it was just horrific what they had to deal with .

I have no doubt the hospital has tried everything to help, but like everything in life if things can be done differently we should try it .

In my opinion, it will always revolve around money/costs but I feel A&E needs to change. Older people and those with young children need a safe area and feel safe

I think it is strange that on a plane, anti social behaviour caused by intoxication would not be allowed yet we seem to accept it in A&E with the most vulnerable

I feel it has to change big time