"I found Accident and Emergency to..."

What I liked

I found Accident and Emergency to provide an excellent service. Although the doctors and nurses seemed very busy, they generally did an outstanding job. Doctors and nurses worked well together in A and E when the systems allowed them to do this, but they seemed under- supported by the structures in place at the hospital, such as path lab failing to return results in a timely manner. On the whole we were treated with dignity. I would recommend Accident and Emergency at this hospital.

What could be improved

Cardiology. 3 monthly appointments take 6 months to be arranged. Not all rooms are set up to allow patients privacy. One doctor was extremely rude and dismissive. Another was not aware - and seemed unable to find out - what medication had been prescribed. Doctors do not always appear to listen to what the patient is saying, and are unwilling to listen to patients or relatives when it comes to what other doctors have said about the case in the past. Patient notes seem to be disorganised and inaccessible to staff and therefore do not assist consultations or enhance continuity of care. Letters sent out to patients record inaccurate information about what information to bring to an appointment, which results in some doctors blaming the patient.

Anything else?

Perhaps heart patients in particular need to avoid unnecessary stress placed on them by inefficient systems and dismissive doctors?

Well done Accident and Emergency. You saved my husband's life. Be proud of succeeding in spite of the systems set up in your hospital!