"Lack of care and support"

I went to the unit after being referred by my GP because I’ve been suffering for months with vomiting, faintness, cold sweats, numb hands and an inability to keep food or fluids down. In the last few days this became much worse. I was extremely unwell, weak, and distressed.

When I arrived, a cannula was put in, but instead of being given fluids or proper treatment, I was told I would only be given paracetamol. As I cannot keep tablets down, this was supposed to go through my cannula, but they had none available. A staff member insisted I swallow it anyway, and I was immediately sick. They did not offer a sick bucket until I had to ask, and their attitude felt dismissive and uncaring.

Later I was given anti-sickness medication and told to sip water. Because I managed to keep a little down, they discharged me, even though I was still in severe pain, sweating, weak, and clearly struggling. Different staff gave me conflicting information about whether I could be admitted for fluids and monitoring. At one point I was told I could have a bed in A&E, then later told there were no beds and I would have to sit in a chair all night despite not even having the strength to walk.

Eventually I felt forced to leave with just anti-sickness medication and a referral. Staff watched as my wife struggled to support me to leave the building, with no offer of a wheelchair or directions. It was only a kind cleaner, not medical staff, who stopped their work to fetch me a wheelchair and guide us.

On leaving, the same staff member confronted us again in a hostile manner when my wife tried to take a picture of the QR code for feedback. This added to our distress.

I left feeling ignored, humiliated, and completely let down at a time when I desperately needed care. I am still unwell and without proper treatment. The whole experience left me and my wife upset, exhausted, and feeling abandoned by the NHS.