"The helpful and kind staff from ..."

What I liked

The helpful and kind staff from the receptionists to the medical staff. Everyone I spoke to took me very seriously. I thought to begin with I was wasting their time as I wasn't sure I was "ill enough" to be visiting the A&E department. But when I saw the triage nurse she said in no uncertain terms that I needed to wait and be seen. I actually had the beginnings of a kidney infection and hadn't appreciated how ill I actually was.

I was seen by the consultant who was very friendly and introduced himself by his first name. I was impressed by his thoroughness and kindness especially as I visited on a Saturday late afternoon / early night when A&E was very busy. The doctor took time to talk to me and ask me questions about myself and my lifestyle. He also gave me advice about what I could do to prevent this type of infection in the future.

I was given IV antibiotics & fluids in the cubicle so I needed to stay there for a while until the drip was finished. The nursing staff were again very friendly and kind to me. Over all, I felt the staff's professionalism and detailed attention to was second to none.

I would rate the A & E Department very highly. Thank you all very much.

What could be improved

I don't have any suggestions for improvements as the A & E Department in Kingston Hospital was very organised efficiently with an eye to patient care and needs.

But medical care aside the waiting room was a little uncomfortable as the chairs are hard metal. Then again one of the symptoms of a kidney infection is back pain and my back was killing me because of it. So that may be why I couldn't get comfortable.

Anything else?

The ward in A&E was very busy with lots of police activity but notwithstanding this I was seen quickly and I got the impression the medical staff cared about me.