I went to my GP as I had been experiencing SOB over the last few weeks. I received an ECG and was advised that the GP surgery were organising an ambulance to take me to AED.
I advised that I would make my own way to Altnagelvin. Upon arrival I was triaged again and advised to wait. I waited from 18.45 to around 12 before I was triaged. I then waited another two hours before I got into Minor injuries and was sent then for a chest xray at 2am in the morning.
There wasn't any privacy in Minor injuries and there was people everywhere. I just felt that the toilet that we had to use wasn't clean and there was a canula in the sink with blood on it. I don't think people with chest pain and a minor heart attack weren't given the proper care that we needed. I really should have been been on a trolley at least . There were two people sleeping on several chairs and really it seemed to be the luck of the draw who got rest and who didn't.
The staff seemed really under pressure and when I was trying to give my samples of urine to the team I really did think I was just being a pain.
The consultant did apologise to me that he had to tell me the news in a corridor. It was really distressing to have to hear this news on my own and no family members could have came into the cramped area.
I just think that there needs to be a better system. As when the consultant said I was for discharge the nurse seemed to think that I was for admission and was going to be in Minors for another night. I was so glad to leave as during my time the area was only cleaned once and it wasn't very pleasant.
"AED & Triage in Minor Injuries"
About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Minor Injuries Unit Altnagelvin Area Hospital Minor Injuries Unit Londonderry BT47 6SB
Posted by Travelwarrior1971 (as ),
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