"APALLING"

Had been in great pain for 3 weeks. Was on painkillers prescribed by GP, however the pains worsened and spread. Went to Chase Farm urgent care centre. There wasn't a doctor in attendance but a triage nurse. Was there for 2 hours, others were there longer without having been seen. We saw the nurse put his jacket on and leave. My husband decided to take me to Barnet A&E. It was crowded, there was nowhere to sit. Waited at the queue for reception for 15 or so minutes. It wasn't moving. Was in terrible pain I had to leave and go home. A few days later worsened more. My son came and took me to University College hospital. What a contrast. Within 2 hours was seen by a qualified doctor, checked, x-rayed and prescribed stronger painkillers. This has been a great help. I am now able to walk around the house and no longer have to rely on my husband to lift me in and out of bed or a chair and to bring my food upstairs. Since approx. 20th December my GP had referred me to a muscular/skeletal specialist. Chase Farm wanted me to go to back class! I need to be scanned to see what has happened to me. I was a fit and healthy person. The state of emergency services run by Royal Free health authority is terrible. It is badly run and management is atrocious. A&E's are understaffed. The staff do their best if you ever manage to see them but they are in an impossible situation. Perhaps the health authority can take lessons from the properly run west end hospitals who are and always excellent.