"Childrens A & E, QMC"

My son had a suspected broken hand and we took him to our GP that evening who confirmed our conclusion and said he needed to go to have it x-rayed but not to worry as he would fast track and fill in an x ray card and write an accompanying letter.

We took this straight away to Queens only to be told the xray card was "no use" and the letter duly asking for an xray taken. We then had to wait 1+hr to see a nurse to go through what was said in the letter only to be told "he needs an xray". yes, thats what the GP sent us for.

A further 39 min wait in xray. Back to A & E and more waiting (1hr +) after I went to find out the delay we were seen and told we would have to come back in the following morning to see an orthopedic Specialist. We returned to the desk to be told no appointments available so will have to settle for 2 days time. So we spent 6.30-10.00pm to be told exactly what we had been told by the GP, great, what a waste of time on all counts.

So we turn up 2 days later to see whether it needs setting or can be left. 2 hours to wait, so I have to call clients to cancel work, this causes an issue to the senior nurse as I have missed the sign about phones. As I'm trying to finish the conversation with my client asap she consistently berates the use of phones which I agree but outline if I had been seen on time I would not need to use! Unbelievable that my wife is a District Nurse and has to see people on time!

2+ hours later I get to see the specialist for 4 mins to be told "no it can be left and will sort itself out".

In my opinion, the only good staff member involved was a particular support staff who seemed the only one with any idea of patients time being important. I find it incredible that every time we, or my clients, have attended QMC appointments have been 1-2 hours late, even 1st in the morning are late.

I believe it's simply unacceptable and in my opinion Managers should be held to account plus the staff I saw could have kept casual chat and T drinking to areas away from patients who endure interminable waits, in my experience some poor staff and no refreshments!

As I said to my son on leaving this is one example why you should look after your health as otherwise you could waste your life away in these places seemingly without anyone batting an eyelid.