"Excellent care at emergency department let down by a patronising doctor"

I visited Altnagelvin's A&E dept last weekend due to a prolonged episode of SVT (fast heart rhythm). After being unable to calm it myself after 15 mins and my heart rate still over 170 bpm I made my way to the hospital (as advised to do by my own GP). I had taken one of my prescribed tablets to help stop the SVT episode and it had not worked either.

After reporting to reception I was sent straight through to A&E and was quickly hooked up to an ECG where the staff were able to see my SVT in action. The SVT soon corrected itself after this (lasted approximately 35/40mins in all).

I was then taken round to resus and hooked up to a heart monitor and had bloods taken and was told I would be getting a chest x-ray. I cannot fault the reception staff or the nurses and doctors up until now - they were amazing - so attentive and caring. I obviously was stressed and anxious but they all made me feel at ease and I felt well cared for.

After an hour a senior doctor appeared (unfortunately I cannot remember their name) and abruptly told me I could go. I said ok and asked were my blood results clear and they told me they weren't back but they were sure they would be ok. I was a little unnerved by this as I would have expected these to be checked before leaving but assumed they would not send me home unless they were certain.

I mentioned that the other doctors had said about an x-ray to which the doctor responded that I wouldn't need one. They then told me they would give me a minute to unhook myself from the heart monitor. I was shocked. The heart monitor had patches all over my chest and abdomen and leads. I also had a blood pressure cuff still attached. They were leaving me to unhook and disconnect everything myself.

At that moment I felt like a hindrance. I had not asked to be moved there and I was more than happy to leave but their manner was so unprofessional and demeaning. I was incredibly sad leaving the hospital after what had been an excellent experience until I met this doctor.

I advised the doctor I was currently waiting for a cardiology appt after previous prolonged SVT episodes. These have become more frequent in the last month, so naturally I am concerned if there is an underlying reason or cause.  

The doctor told me if I get an episode to pop a pill and relax on the sofa until it stops. Not quite what it advises on the NHS's own website.

I do not make complaints normally, but this doctor's manner was patronising and left me feeling hurt and angry. I appreciate the NHS are under huge pressure and stresses. The other staff I met were all lovely.

If the bed was needed I had no issue vacating it and waiting in the reception area until my bloods were back - not to be made to feel stupid.