"Lack of communication and urgency in emergency department"

I went to a & e with an idea I may have a kidney infection, turns out it was a water infection, a gallstone and sciatica.

Seemed extremely uncoordinated from the start and my overall opinion is that communication within the department and between staff is not where it needs to be. I booked in at just after 9pm didn't get out till 2am even tho the time wait was 1-2 hrs.

Wasn't overly busy either, however I saw many more people come and go... there doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency anywhere, the main culprits being the drs themselves, shuffling along at a very steady rate.

In all during my visit I would estimate my time actually having processes and treatment equated to roughly 30mins (10-15 solely having a ct scan), by 5hrs into my visit I complained and was informed they had forgot about me when actually I should already have been allowed home. I only did this as a woman did the same 10 mins before me and low and behold she was speedily sorted out.

I volunteered in the Pilgrim in lockdown and had utmost regard for the staff. I worked hard and thorough and felt like I was part of a great team, however this visit made me feel very overlooked, undervalued and inconsequential. I wish I hadn't have bothered to be honest even though it was the right thing to do. Hope I never have to repeat the scenario.

I will add that I was in work from 8am that morning, had nothing as such to eat and was extremely tired and drained. When I got in my car to go home I openly admit I sobbed all the way home, I felt so let down by the whole experience.