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"Not taken seriously"

About: West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust / Emergency ambulance

(as the patient),

I’ve been having eye problems with my right eye, looking left is fine but looking right is a big issue (I’m sorry, I don’t know the scientific terminology for the different parts of the eyes so I’ve made it simple). The skin of my eyeball has turned very jellylike and it’s as if the eyeball skin is creasing over the edge of the cornea (or where it starts at least) and every time I blink I can feel that crease in my eye. 

I dialled 112 FIRST, but there wasn’t any response... so I decided to try and call 999 and explain my problem to them, the operator was polite and helped me through the situation. They also stated that it may take some time for the paramedics to get to me as it’s a busy night... so I waited for between 1-2 hours patiently and then eventually they turn up around half 2. 

The first thing they said to me was couldn’t I have waited till tomorrow. Now I didn’t take much notice of it as I was feeling at ease that they have arrived and come to help me, but it only took a minute until I had to ask them to leave my house as the situation went sour very quickly. One was constantly questioning me things like why couldn’t I wait till tomorrow, did I think they could help me, why did I need them, why was I asking them for help when I hadn't done enough to try and help the problem myself. So, I came to the conclusion that they were not taking my matters seriously, did not think to help or take a thorough look at my eye and as a result I apologised to them, having feeling so low about myself which was caused by the way that they disrespected me in front of my family, and then I told them to leave. 

To be honest, the situation could have gone sideways and it would have not ended the way it did if it wasn’t for my religion, but however my religion teaches me to be the bigger person and to be calm throughout escalating situations... but I swear, what they have done will have scarred me mentally for the rest of my life because this is the first time I have seen such an ugly side to the paramedics I came into contact with on this occasion.  It is not acceptable a patient in need is disrespected, especially in front of their family, making the patient look weak and bad to society dismissing me as a waste of time.

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Responses

Response from Regional Head of Patient Experience, West Midlands Ambulance Service 5 years ago
Submitted on 13/12/2018 at 11:42
Published on Care Opinion at 11:46


Dear Helpless Mij

I am sorry to hear of your experience, we would like to look into your concerns. I would be grateful if you would consider contacting the Patient Experience Team at email pals@wmas.nhs.uk or telephone number 01384 246366

ind regards

Marie

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