"Frustrating A and E shortcomings"

Yesterday II spent about 6 hours in A and E and then resus with my brother in law, who had a chest infection which had progressed to sepsis. The doctors and nurses were efficient, professional and courteous. My brother in law was extremely ill, what he needed to save his life was IV antibiotics and fluids. There were no drip stands available. Fluid bags were taped to coat hooks on the wall, and hung over lights using bent bits of wire because nobody could find a drip stand. A drip stand is a basic fundamental piece of kit, and I struggle to understand how there aren't enough, it made the work of the staff much more difficult. Also, my brother in law has cerebral palsy, and finding a comfortable position is very important and also difficult. Once he we had eventually got him into a comfortable position, there were only 2 pillows available to help support him. Not nearly as important as drip stands, but again fairly basic, and in this case very important to patient care and pain relief.