"Broken leg 14 months ago and recent A&E trip"

On both occasions I visited A&E, and was made to feel as comfortable as I possibly could as quickly as possible. The staff went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and seen to as quickly as possible despite being visibly under pressure. 

I saw the relevant specialists (ultrasound, X-ray) on each occasion and received regular blood pressure, temperature and pulse checks. 

I was informed where the water fountain and toilets were, and was found a seat, despite being over busy. 

I was surprised at the level of drunks and drug abusers in A&E on both occasions I visited, and I really do feel more needs to be done to stop the NHS being abused. They were also several people that had a much less positive outlook on what was happening, complaining about waiting times etc. I feel more needs to be done, so that people understand A&E is for emergency use only (ideally a TV advert campaign or something similar), so that people understand the need for A&E for those who cannot wait for a GP. I witnessed people complaining about waiting and asking “when they could go for a fag”, which should not be a priority if you are ill enough to be in A&E. I also think it needs to be more widely understood that if you are enduring a long wait, it is not because staff don’t want to see you, it is because they are seeing to another patient whose needs are more urgent. There needs to be more publicity of the amazing work that the NHS staff do - daily! 

I would like to thank everyone that I encountered on each visit in the past 18months. They were all brilliant!