"Constructive criticism of A&E"

- At about 05:00, due to my collapse, my partner called 999. An ambulance came quickly, as did the paramedics whom they called. - I arrived at Basingstoke at about 06:00. My partner was unable to come due to her severe lack of mobility. I was settled in. A bracelet was put on me. Some skin tags were positioned, with difficulty, due to the large amounts of sweat. A nurse took bloods from the right inner elbow. By now I had told several medical staff, several times, that due to a car accident, I had received a severe brain injury, and thus had a poor memory. - At about 08:00, I gave a urine sample. My name was checked, and a corrected bracelet was put on me, replacing my partner’s surname. I asked for a blanket, telling a nurse that my shivering was part of my symptoms for admission. - At about 09:00 I was told that my bloods had been lost. Another nurse tried to take some more blood. She waggled the needle around and got a line, but none in the flask. She took out the butterfly and put it on the bed trolley. She re-stimulated the left inner wrist vein, and reused the butterfly. She blew the vein and gave up. A second nurse came, and tried. He chastised me for my low pain threshold, which I put down to my strong shivering and illness. Further skin tags were put on me, one on my hip. - at about 10:00, I was told that my urine sample had been lost. - At about 12:00 I was told about the considerations surrounding my illness, but that none had been decided. - At about 14:00 I was discharged, and given medications, with instructions about them and hydration. Since I was with a Berkshire surgery, my doctor would have to phone NHH for information. I went to the warmth of my son’s car. - Chaperone – some patients are not in a fit state to take in advice and important facts from medical staff in A&E. Phone their next of kin. - Blood-taking- this is an art. Some staff do not have it. Be aware of their abilities. - Name tag- confirm name tags before writing up bracelets and records. - Warmth- Hospital blankets are thin. Some parts of hospitals are near the outside. Some patients need warmth. - Loss of samples- This wastes a couple of hours that could be important to the patient. Reassess the pathway. - Re-use of needles – All objects that can infect a patient should never be re-used. - Positioning of skin tags- train staff in the purpose of skin tags. - Cross CCG boundaries – Integrate with all local surgeries.