"Difficulty in accessing my veins"

A couple of weeks after day surgery, I attended A&E very unwell (this was not directly linked to the actual surgery). I was booked in and triaged very quickly. I was then taken in for my observations where the member of staff tried and was unsuccessful a number of times to insert a canula. I had explained that it was difficult to access my veins, but it didn't feel like they spent much time looking and caused me a lot pain whilst it felt like they were shoving it in. They weren't able to insert one and sent me back to the waiting area and said someone else will try, but I was waiting for an additional 2 plus hours for pain relief. I spoke to reception and someone eventually came out to see me and by that point they had my blood results back and I was going to be admitted.

From this moment on, the staff were very helpful and considerate and listened when I said it was difficult to access my veins. They were eventually successful and pain relief was finally administered. I was then moved to SAU, where I stayed for a 3 days. The staff on SAU were very good and I felt very well looked after when I felt the most unwell I have ever felt. I thank everyone who worked their shifts during that time. I appreciate that due to the nature of SAU it can be quite chaotic, but I felt I was able to shut myself off from some of that. However, it was still very difficult to get blood from me, but staff were convinced they would be the ones to do this. There were many failed attempts and my arm became very sore and bruised and I actually started getting very anxious about giving blood to the point that I was actually dreading it. I think it is very important for patients to be listened to when something like this becomes a problem. I was very aware that my blood results were very important to my care, but it became increasingly difficult and quite a number of staff took their turn to try. I think there needs to be another way to deal with patients like myself, a referral maybe to a phlebotomist or just more of an awareness to how the patient is feeling.

I was eventually moved to Montacute and again all of the staff that looked after me were very friendly and kind. I knew what was happening and understood the reasons for my medication and further investigations. I explained how difficult it was to get blood out of me and the phlebotomists were excellent and helped calm my anxiety. All 3 were able to get blood first time, which was a relief.

Overall, my experience going through A&E, SAU & Montacute was very positive and the majority of staff were helpful and friendly. I would always recommend MPH to family and friends.