"A&E and AMU"

I have a history of Upper GI bleeds but have a real issue about making a fuss. Consequently I usually end up in the back of an ambulance or being sent to hospital by my GP because I leave things until it’s too late. On 30th July I felt like I was becoming ill again and, keen to address things before they got out of control, I called 111 who told me to go to Good Hope. I got my wife to drop me at A&E where I had just a ten minute wait before being called in for blood tests and an ECG by one of the sisters who I am sure had other things to be doing. The department was very busy but after the blood was taken (and I guess because of my history) I was kept on a trolley in a cubicle until I saw two doctors later that evening. I was transferred to AMU at about 1am. I say this every time I am admitted but Good Hope Hospital are under tremendous pressure and yet the doctor’s nurses and HCAs and porters work tirelessly and with a smile that belies just how busy and under pressure they are. We are very lucky to have the hospital on our doorstep although I do have a minor gripe. The solution to my problem is likely to be a surgical one. Until then I suspect I will have recurrent bleeds requiring further attention. Unfortunately for me, the surgeons are based at another hospital and so even though the referral was made by Good Hope in June, I have not yet managed to see the Consultant. An initial appointment that I had for tomorrow (7th August) has now been moved to the 19th August. Fingers crossed that that appointment stays put.