"Immense pressure"

It is so clear to see first hand sat in the waiting room how critically overworked and underpaid NHS staff are. You can see it in their performance and contact with patients.

I sat waiting for 4+ hrs in A&E due to moderate kidney pain. When I arrived I was advised a 2hr waiting time.

I am not complaining about the wait times, as I know patients are seen to in order of clinical need.

However, the seating available in the A&E waiting area are absolutely unbearable. They would be most uncomfortable to sit in for any period of time, let alone a 4+hr plus period. I am also obese, weighing 21st, so the chair was even more uncomfortable.

I ended up discharging myself as I was in pain but had been offered no pain relief whilst I waited, and I started to get pain in my hips, legs and bottom from sitting on the uncomfortable chair for so long.

I had some basic blood and urine tests done, but other than that received no other care before I left.

I am now at home, my pain is worsening, and no doubt this will probably get worse and I will have to re-turn to A&E at another time.