"A&E - changes must be made"

I had the misfortune to need A&E.

The toilet in reception was filthy and blocked, after five hours they stuck an “out of order” notice on it. I didn’t see any cleaners. I spent 28 hours in a corridor on a trolley. I wasn’t kept informed of my treatment plan as the staff were so busy. The nurse refused to give the pain relief prescribed by the doctor - I had to wait for a shift change of staff before I got it even though I kept asking. There needs to be a radical shake up of how this service is managed, because lovely new notices of how your care is assessed, new uniforms, an eye mask and ear plugs during the awful night by the sluice on a busy corridor, no privacy, and a printed notice telling you there are no beds, isn’t going to address the dire problems patients and staff are facing. My care was not acceptable; I didn’t feel safe or confident in their care. The hospital quite simply isn’t big enough and doesn’t meet the needs of the increasing County population. Even the doctors and nurses are complaining about the hospital which doesn’t instil confidence, and it’s no wonder it is near bottom of the hospital league table. I believe patients are at risk and this hospital has passed breaking point. I did complete the patient survey so kindly given me along with the eye mask and ear plugs. 28 hours is not acceptable to wait see a doctor and receive treatment. Changes must be made. I hope this honest review will add weight to the ongoing debate for reforms in provision of A&E services at Worcester.