"Mixed view"

I was collected by an ambulance and I cannot fault the team. It started off well in the hospital with regard to checks but I was concerned that I was in the same room as poorly children and an old gentleman as I had covid, which was known to staff. Unable to walk due to balance I could not ask for pain relief, however, I asked a Dr as she was collecting someone else and she said she would pass the message on. An hour later, nothing. I was in so much pain I called and spoke to an A and E receptionist. I gave her my name with difficulty as I could hardly speak and said I was in the childrens section, please could she get someone to see me re pain relief because it was too much to cope with I was unbelievably told ‘you came in with a cough, but I will message them’. At this point, I was nearly in tears and it was yet another hour before a Dr called me in. I had not been offered anything stronger than paracetamol at this time. No one had come after I asked the receptionist for help.

The Dr I did see was then thorough, explained everything well, organised pain relief and was altogether fabulous, as were the X-ray people.

Thank you to the paramedics and the Dr for sure. I have now started feeling a little better and am left thinking ‘did the receptionist think the ambulance had wasted their time and the NHS’s money bringing in someone with a cough ‘ I think not!