"Shocking"

After what seems to be a mess up by my GP, i was referred to A and E, straight away from the surgery. I persuaded my GP to let me go home first to collect some belongings, before they called the ambulance, (they wanted to call an ambulance straight away. I went home and waited. And waited. And waited, for the ambulance. After 3 hours, (and 4 hours after leaving the GP surgery, still no ambulance. I decided to ring 111 to find out what was happening as by then, the GP surgery was closed. They told me to ring 999, who said i was on a four hour callout, (which i was approaching.) I certainly wasn't told that by my GP.

They then sent an ambulance within 7 minutes. However, i was still treated as per the

GP referral, which ironically, they said they didn't have.

On arrival at A and E, (5 and a half hours after originally visiting my GP,) i was despatched onto a trolley in the corridor, which was where i stayed for the next 3 or so, hours. The ambulance staff did their best to make me comfortable, saying it wouldn't be long before i got a cubicle, and they did at least try to find me a pillow, (but failed.)

I was visited 2 or 3 times, (which is roughly once an hour or less.)

Once to give my details, the second to have some blood tests, (in the corridor,)

A) I disliked giving personal details in a public corridor

B) I was concerned about the risk of infection, having injections in the corridor. The nurse said the risk of infection was slight. So was that greater than being in a cubicle which is more sterile?

C) I was freezing cold as the automatic doors kept opening.

I have multiple chronic conditions and i was admitted as i have a lung condition and the GP was concerned i had a blood clot in my lung.

I believe the way i was treated was less than adequate, and i need to speak with my GP to clarify what they expected from my urgent referral, (like an ambulance from the surgery, now.)

I've read that some GP's don't realise there can be a four wait and their referral is at the bottom of the pile when it comes to allocating ambulances and care.

I was reluctant to go in the first place, and next time, i certainly won't go. I'll stay at home whatever the consequences. The care at Stepping Hill can certainly be erratic. Or the lack of it.