"My experience in A&E and 4 south ward of CAH"

I came into hospital yesterday during the day via A&E. I regularly need my kidney stent replaced, but due to the Covid situation all elective surgeries have been canceled therefore my consultant just told me to show up at A&E if and when I develop pain. At the beginning of the week I got immense pain in my side, and due to the rising Covid situation I was determined not to go into hospital therefore instead called my GP. 

I asked the GP to carry out the relevant kidney function tests on me which they did meaning I felt listened to and involved in decisions surrounding my care. When the results came back on Friday morning we ruled out a kidney infection and came to the conclusion  that I would need to attend A&E as it was more than likely and issue due to my kidney stent needing replaced. 

On arrival to A&E the receptionist was so kind and directed me on what the next plan was. I was triaged very quickly but after that I had a very long wait. I took the decision to wait out in the main reception area of the hospital to be called as I felt it adhered to Covid guidelines much more due to more space and social distancing. That is one thing I have witnessed, is that restrictions I feel are becoming much more relaxed and it made me feel much more anxious down there as a patient.

 After a long wait and no pain relief I was finally taken in to be seen by a doctor, after a short while they made they decision to admit me and I was told that during my wait I could now receive pain relief. I waited and waited but was forgot about by the nursing team and therefore didn't get the pain relief I needed until a few hours later when I was eventually moved up onto the ward. In saying all that, all the staff I did encounter down there were lovely and I trusted them in their skills. 

Now up on 4 south I am waiting for my surgery which will hopefully be this evening. My pain is being managed by staff as they are administering regular pain killers and I am much more comfortable in my surroundings. 

One improvement I would suggest is that the shower room needs more ventilation and perhaps a clean down after every patient as when I went In to have shower this morning the floor was extremely wet and the room was all steamed up from the patient before me. There was no way to open the window to reduce the steam and I was anxious about falling over, maybe this could be resolved by ensuring a certain time between each patient showering as I do feel I was at risk of injury at that time. Other than this I feel in safe hands, and know I'm being looked after well by the medical team.