"Delayed treatment "

I brought a relative to A and E after a 2 hour wait with 111 after which they suggested to go to A and E .

On arrival it was not obvious we were in the correct place to check in. No staff in the mobile unit just a telephone. My relative has Alzheimer’s and had a potential stroke leading to a fall.

No observations done for 3 hours but investigations started in terms of blood test.

Staff name badges turned around so couldn’t be identified. Another patient in there gasping for breath and no staff with her. It felt like we were in a war torn country.

Please carry out baseline obs as soon as possible so clues can be picked up for patient care - it’s basic practice!

Once inside main unit (4 hrs after arrival) advanced care nurse did proper examination for stroke. Things improved.

It is the initial assessment room at fault here . There needs to be someone around for the elderly and some people in pain or with dementia can’t focus on what they need to do to check in. In terms of stroke speed is the essence. I will avoid this A and E in future if I have a choice. I’m sure care on the ward will not be a problem. Thank you to all those who are working so hard. But please wear name badges so patients can identify staff and do baseline observations at the start - isn’t that what triage is?