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"Comparison of departments"

About: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital

My journey through ineffective triage ‘phone’ system led me to get to AE Gloucester 4hours later than I should have - having been left in a non moving queue for an hour and using MIU Tewkesbury (in order to not overburden Gloucestershire ironically) who could not actually deal with a more complex wrist fracture. X Ray done, I travel to Gloucester with my notes and have to wait from approx 6 in the evening to 4 in the morning the following day.

I appreciate the waiting room is roughly 50% patients - but the numbers of patients left staff swamped.

Once in with the team to treat me it was high standard. I felt supported and less scared. The waiting room experience was very stressful, I found myself feeling abandoned and sought reassurance I was actually expected. I was extremely exhausted and in a great deal of pain.

Follow up to Fracture Clinic - Small delay but not unreasonable. All staff helpful and pleasant. Moved through initial consult, x-Ray and second consult fairly swiftly. Fracture had shifted and I was referred for urgent surgery. So I go to cardiology and Jenner Clinic - again a minimal wait and return to Reception with paperwork. My surgery was hopefully for next day. I got the initial call before I reached my car. The confirmation call that following morning at 7.30 to bring me in as confirmed booking.

The May Hill unit

This is a shining example of what a well run fully staffed hospital unit looks like. Can’t fault it. Staff across the board so willing, helpful and efficient. They were delightful. I felt safe and supported.

A&E has the same quality staff, and when they spend that brief time with you it’s no less quality. But they are overwhelmed. Wheelchairs insufficient in number. One man was asked to vacate his, having had what they thought was a minor stroke, in order to accommodate an elderly gentleman being supported on both sides.

A man with a head injury falling on me semi conscious.

Staff respond. Interrupting the treatment they were about to do elsewhere.

Things slipping through the net. Pain relief promised and forgotten.

The team is stretched to breaking point throughout the entire day.

Even taking into account all the fluctuations of a night mare of a task to manage, this is as clear as day. You need more staff.

I know this is typical over NHS but honestly Gloucester, you have outstanding staff. Support them properly.

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