"Poor treatment in A & E"

I’ve been putting off writing this as I’ve never had to say anything bad about NHS staff. However, I do not want another patient to have the experience I did with a Nurse in Royal Victoria Hospital AED at the end of October.

I was admitted due to acute urinary retention. A catheter was inserted and Urology Team agreed a treatment plan. I was happy with this plan as I was keen to get home and have catheter removed as soon as possible. I had such great care from Urology Doctors and another nurse in AED.

I was moved to Bay D at end of AED corridor. The Nurse was fixed that I should have my catheter removed that evening. They said that I was going to have to pass urine yourself at some point. I calmly explained the Urologist plan agreed. They then proceeded to tell my Mum and Dad it was me who didn’t want catheter out not Urology team (which wasn’t the case).

I then asked for a leg strap to empty the catheter bag. I was told just to go to the toilet. I explained my urine bag was so full and heavy I would need a strap to ease tugging. I was already in pain and uncomfortable which caused me distress. I felt belittled when the nurse questioned my colon condition that has been the cause of a lot of issues. It seemed that they didn’t believe my conditions or think that they were worthy enough, or personally just chose to not provide the treatment advised by Urology Team.

This experience was witnessed by my Mum, Dad and partner who were appalled. It has left me feeling invalidated and frightened of ever having to attend A&E again.