"Sometimes a blue curtain isnt enough"

I began my hospital experience this time round in A&E, here I was waiting an extremely long time to be seen as I observed a department which is extremely under resourced and understaffed. All staff members from receptionist to consultant were under immense pressure to get patients through as there was insufficient staffing and resources. I waited for over 15 hours on an ambulance bed in a corridor although I felt fortunate as some of the other patients including a patient in their 90's was left sitting on uncomfortable chairs for hours and looked like they were in immense pain.

I could see all the staff were doing their best and I cannot fault them for this but yet this experience was not one bit pleasant. In my opinion the environment is not one bit comfortable neither safe. There are some major security issues down in A&E which for the publics sake needs sorted. Staff are subject to abuse from patients who are either under the influence of drink/drugs or patients which no manners whatso ever. As another patient this was so frustrating to see as these highly skilled members of medical and nursing staff where being verbally or even physically abused by patients who needed their help. I feel like more security is needed down in this area to not only protect staff but also for the safety of other patients who witness these events. 

Finally after 15 hours I was seen to and only had to wait a few more hours to get my bed up in 4 North. When entering the ward I was thrilled, I felt as though I was going into a royal palace. I have received absolutely outstanding care from both the nurses and the doctors. Additionally all the support staff including cleaners and porters have been extremely attentive and helpful.

I feel informed about my treatment and have no doubt that all my questions have been answered. Although one thing I would suggest an improvement on would be when doctors are breaking bad news. 

Yesterday I woke from a nap and was surrounded by 9 members of the medical team, I was both frightened and confused and this was all before they even said what they had came for. After a short conversation between themselves they disclosed some very shocking information to me about my potential diagnosis, I was confused and anxious and after having just woke from a nap I was in no mind to ask any questions or  what this meant for me, then just like that they were gone and I was left to take it all in. I would have loved an extra few minutes with the team just to have a chance to take it in and think of any questions at that time.

I felt so worried and frightened and once the blue curtains opened I became aware that other patients around me had also heard my news. Although they tried to comfort me I didn't feel like they should have heard this news in the exact way I had been told and I felt this extremely difficult conversation although behind a blue curtain lacked privacy which I was very disappointed about.

I think a more private approach needs to be put into place with regards to disclosing information as such, sometimes the blue curtain isn't enough!