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Belfast ED department

Posted By greenmd99

"Belfast ED department"

About: Royal Victoria Hospital / Accident & Emergency

(as a service user),

Had a horrific experience in Belfast ED, I live with a complex and sight threatening neurological condition. I went here as I felt my shunt which drains fluid from My brain to keep the pressure controlled had blocked.

This is a genuine emergency situation- I was so scared in the waiting area, I was told by nurses to take my own painkillers as it was a controlled drug and would take 2 staff members to sign off on it. 

Genuinely so unsafe in the waiting area with vulnerable people. The wait almost drove me to a mental breakdown, I sat for over 9 hours, I couldn't physically sit in the chair any longer. 

I am a young girl - I don't know how older people could cope in that environment.

No care whatsoever.

Absolutely traumatising.

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Responses

Response from John Barron, Service Manager, Urgent & Emergency Care, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 3 weeks ago
John Barron
Service Manager, Urgent & Emergency Care,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Service Manager Adult Urgent and Emergency Care

Submitted on 09/10/2025 at 14:54
Published on Care Opinion at 14:54

Dear greenmd99,

Thank you for taking the time to share what was clearly a very distressing experience. I’m John Barron, Service Manager for Adult Urgent & Emergency Care, and I’m deeply sorry to hear of the suffering, fear and frustration you went through while waiting in Belfast ED.

I am saddened to read that you were asked to manage your own pain relief, while waiting for over nine hours. It is very also concerning you felt unsafe in the waiting area. That is not the care standard we aim for or want anyone to endure.

I want to assure you that effective pain management is given a high priority as part of our Emergency Department clinical standards and we will continue to audit our performance in pain management.

Thank you again for speaking up at a time when you were vulnerable. I hope that since your visit you have received the care and support you needed and are doing better now.

Best wishes

John Barron

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