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"Over 7 hours in A&E with disrespectful members of..."

About: Croydon University Hospital

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I was 8 weeks pregnant at the time, where I had suffered bleeding and took myself to A&E. Before being seen by anyone I had waited at least 1 hour, bearing in mind I would say the bleeding was quite significant. I had a urine pregnancy test taken by the nurse (who was very friendly) which came up negative but said he would ask someone to take a blood test for me to clarify the result. I was very upset at the time and he was very nice and reassured me the best he could. Next, I waited another two hours to be taken down to have my blood tests done. The nurse I saw this time was very rude and abrupt. She continued to place on latex gloves when I had told her multiple times that I was allergic and when I refused to have the blood test until she used a latex-free alternative, the reply I got was "I don't understand why you are making a big fuss, it'll only take a minute" I'm pretty sure she would have regretted that if I let her proceed and I went into anaphylactic shock? I was adamant I would not allow her to take blood until she changed her gloves in which she got some from the next cubicle with a huff! I waited another hour and in the mean time I was seen by a doctor - who was unsympathetic , rude and brought me to tears by which he accused me of taking my home pregnancy test 'wrong' because the urine test showed negative. He also claimed what it could have been a false positive and that I was just getting my period. I had a confirmation from my own GP 5 days earlier so I said that this is not possible. He sent me out to wait again for the blood test results. I waited for another 3 hours for the blood test results in which the same rude doctor called me back and discussed my situation in the middle of the corridor where many people were coming in and out! No privacy what so ever. Pregnancy hormones were found in my blood but were low - he told me either my dates were wrong or I had already miscarried and told me there was nothing I could do until I return to the Early Pregnancy Unit 2 days later. Not exactly the reassurance I needed and the next 2 days were very hard for me and my partner knowing whether I was still pregnant or not. I had no advice with regard to the bleeding I was having, no apology for his careless assumption that I used a pregnancy test incorrectly (which I'm not actually sure that is possible). I went to the Early Pregnancy Unit on the Monday and it had confirmed I had miscarried. No scan or further testing was required as the midwife said it was obvious to the trained eye. It would have been a lot easier if the doctor would have told us this on the Saturday! The midwife was absolutely lovely and gave me and my partner comfort when telling us the news. I can honestly say that I would not attend this A&E department or recommend it to anyone what so ever. I hate to think how anyone else has been treated especially when a doctor brought me to tears! Unacceptable!

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Responses

Response from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust 10 years ago
We have made a change
Submitted on 19/07/2013 at 17:42
Published on Care Opinion on 22/07/2013 at 15:29


Thank you for taking the time out to give us your feedback. We are sorry to hear you were unhappy with the care you received when you came to A&E in September last year and were left distressed after the visit.

We want every patient to receive compassionate, high quality care. Your comments are important, as they help us to understand how we can do better in the future. We have been making improvements to A&E and maternity services over the past year, speaking to patients, recruiting staff and refurbishing the departments, so that people have a better experience when they visit. Perhaps you would like to come and see what has been done?

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) provides advice and support. It is free and confidential and is one way you could tell us about your concerns. We would like to discuss these with you and tell you about the changes we are making. You can call PALS on 020 8401 3210 or email to TalkToUs@croydonhealth.nhs.uk

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