"A&E to ward 15"

In was sent to A&E on the advise of my GP who had phoned ahead so they were expecting me. I had to register with A&E. Reception was packed but when we were finally seen the receptionist was absolutely fantastic. She was kind and respectful.

We were taken into Triage within 40 minutes then told to sit and wait for the doctor. This is where we were let down. The doctor asked a lot of questions but didn't explain anything. I was sent in because I am pregnant and was suffering severe dehydration. They were stern and told me that unless I supply a urine sample there was nothing they could do! Now it doesn't take a scientist to work out that a severely dehydrated person may struggle with this. The nurse took blood samples but once again this was a huge struggle due to my dehydration. We sat for a few hours of me trying and not hearing anything then low and behold I was taken up to the ward 15. The doctor didn't come and see me and nothing was explained. We did see them sat at the desk chatting with the nurse's which was outside our room so they knew we were there. We then sat in a private room for 2 hours without anyone checking on me! In the end my husband went and found a midwife. It turns out the doctor had gone home without passing anything over. We heard all this from the staff desk but when we asked the midwife they said they were just very busy.

From then on things were much better. At 6pm I was put on a drip and the evening staff took over who were attentive, kind and made me feel lots better. I left feeling assured that it was only 1 member of staff that had the side down. I do hope they were made of aware of their mistake during her following shift.