"A&E distress"

It is with great reluctance I feel the need to leave a negative review.I do appreciate the tremendous strain the NHS are under and the need for strict regulations regarding infection control.After calling the paramedics to my elderly, practically blind mother suffering chest pains ( the paramedics arrived promptly and were amazing) they advised that I take her to A& E, so I could go in with her as her carer because of her low vision (she would have to go alone if they had taken her in the ambulance) we were made to stand outside in a queue, in the rain, despite the fact she had chest pains and a heart condition. Whilst there, we were only asked about covid symptoms, not why we were in attendance,She was clearly distressed and I had to literally hold her up.When we were called through, I was informed I wasn't allowed to accompany her, regardless of the paramedics saying I could ( the sole reason I had brought her)only patients with dementia could have a carer. She was obviously in pain and said she felt sick and faint. A kind gent gave up his seat for her, I asked at reception if someone could keep an eye on her, as she was breathless and felt faint, I was told to speak to the nurses on the door. I was then informed they couldn't look out for individual patients, she was in public area where plenty of staff walked through, so someone would help if she did faint. I had to sit in the car park for over six hours, before being updated it could be another three hours before she had any test results, 1am told they were keeping her in. Diagnosis- she'd had a heart attack, a week later, she's still in. All the nursing staff and doctors on the various wards she has attended have been beyond amazing. Unfortunately our traumatic A&E experience amplified an already stressful and potentially life threatening situation.