"Horrified by the way we have been treated"

We have been detained in the A&E waiting room since 10. 30pm. There are 22 patients including a child under 10 years old, a baby and pregnant woman. We have no information from staff despite several people asking why we can't leave if we can't be treated. People are anxious to know if we are exposed to some risk as all the doors leading to and fro the waiting have been taped off as if it was a crime scene. Apparently some information is awaited from a specialist. It is now 1. 30 am and after much demanding for an explanation by anxious patients, we are now being told that we may be at risk of contamination from a hazardous chemical, and we may need to be decontaminated. When patients asked to be allowed to leave the hospital they were told they will be commiting a criminal offence and may be arrested. I am horrified by the way we have been treated at Barnet hospital. I will be sending a formal complaint. The Trust needs to review their incident management procedure and be transparent about communicating sensitive information to patients in a considerate manner. It is bad enough coming to A&E when you are unwell but to be subjected to this kind of experience makes matters much worse. I certainly won't be recommending Barnet Hospital to my family and friends. It is now almost 2 am and we are told we are free to leave having waited 6 hours in A&E without treatment.