"We had to go to A&E at Basildon ..."

What I liked

We had to go to A&E at Basildon with post bike accident to a thumb. We went in there on Friday morning and overall experience - reception, first interview, quick scan and doctor advice seem fine until … we got second option on following Monday.

In a different hospital we were told that thumb isn't just bruised but dislocated, completely out of the joint! After being shown a scan of the hand, even 10 year old could tell that.

Why on earth this wasn't pick up by professional from Basildon A&E is above my understanding.

Also on the same Monday, we have received a phone call from Basildon with apologies that a mistake was made. So the post visit screening process works but in some cases it might be late for this. I just wonder if other A&E are dealt the same way …

What could be improved

I grow up in the country where a doctor was juts to give you pain medicine but also to try to explain your sickness and reassure you about the treatment. In case when scan was made he would show you it. This didn't happen in Basildon. All is kept in the dark and you are almost encouraged not to trust and seek second opinion.

During the visit we being asked almost same details 3 times. Perhaps we should have post visit interview to give immediate feedback?