"Compassion was clearly lacking"

I received a phone call from my sister's employer, stating she had a migraine type headache, was confused and couldn't remember her colleagues' names. On arrival, I assessed my sister, who is in her 60s. I'm a staff nurse, and can confirm she was unable to answer simple questions e.g. her address, names of family members. She complained of a severe headache and her employer stated they had given her both paracetamol and brufen before I arrived.

She has long standing issue with migraines and was admitted 2.5 years ago with a related memory loss episode, which lasted approx. 24 hours. 

I immediately drove my sister to Crosshouse Hospital A&E department, where I gave the receptionist the relevant information and waited. During this time my sister started recalling answers to my previous questions and was showing a slight improvement. When called by the triage nurse I accompanied my sister into the consultation room, where there was one seat for the patient but none for significant others. 

It became apparent that the nurse was not impressed that I had accompanied my sister and directed all questions to her. When my sister was unable to answer a question, I would answer for her and I did highlight that I was a staff nurse. 

After assessing my sister, the nurse informed her that she would be seen by the doctor but advised me that I would not be allowed to attend with her. I said to the nurse that I wanted to accompany my sister, particularly as she still wasn't able to answer all the questions asked, but the staff nurse refused and said my sister answered her questions ok.

I subsequently pointed out my sister could not tell her what medication she was on. The nurse replied, we've that information on the system anyway. I asked what if they ask a question that isn't on the system and I continued to insist I accompany my sister. The nurse repeated it was their policy but I pointed out the patients charter states otherwise and it was her right to be accompanied.

The nurse was clearly not happy, so I reassured them that I wasn't trying to be awkward but they replied yes you are. I said no more to this rude individual who lacked any compassion for our situation. 

My sister is not a resilient individual and does not cope well with adversity and any medical experience is quite stressful for her. The rudeness experienced was unnecessary and unacceptable and added to a stressful situation. Compassion was clearly lacking and this nurse obviously thinks this is acceptable behaviour, which it is not.

My sister's husband arrived prior to the medical consultation and he did accompany her without any issue. He highlighted that everyone else was lovely and the care was faultless - thankfully!