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"Child A&E can't take 4 hours waiting... No..."

About: Chelsea & Westminster Hospital / Accident and emergency

We were there on Sunday 23rd of April, child A&E.

For 4 hours no sign of someone interested on seeing what was wrong with my 3 years old son's finger.

We do understand that this is not red code but 4 hours waiting is way too long especially when you see other kids without a life threatening injuries/red code to keep coming well after you but being able to see a doctor before your boy could. After 3 hours I started to be stressed as I can see my son getting stressed. 3 hours sitting on a char inside a room where yes, there is a tv(2 to be exact) and some kind of fake aquarium, all the toys of the world (from home) but still 3 hours when you are in pain is a long wait for a little one. Anyway, first I asked a doctor (the moment they came out to call in a patient), I kindly asked about the waiting and they artfully answered: it will be when it will be! That's the moment I have said : after 4 hours waiting, I can't take such an answer, it's not nice so please could you let me know how long it will take to see a doctor,or do you think I should just take him home?Then they kindly said: there are 2 queues and your son is the next to be seen. Said so another 3 kids where called in... The 4th to be called was Christopher, which is not my son's name. My son was in tears and in pain also time to bed without painkillers or anything to soothe the pain. That's when I got more stressed again and I said: excuse me, didn't you all said Nadeem will be the next to be seen?

Then a member of staff started the shout. Yes, shouting at me, with very rude manners and attitude : I am calling Christopher and your son's name isn't Christopher. It isn't true you have been here for more than 4 hours(I suppose there are cctv camera to look at) as I herd you saying. Every time I come outside here I do waste my time and you are not helping. I'm calling Christopher as I already seen him before.

Truly??? That's when I've said : I've been polite to you and you are very rude to me . they walked off! I was shaking and I wish no one else will be treated as they treated me. In front of everyone. Shouting like I'm a little girl that has been too naughty. I am a very amble person but very respectful towards the entire world, in return I seek and demand respect. Children A&E staff might forgot that if they are stressed because of very busy day and might be restless, no stop, a constantly ongoing of people,well... For a parent it isn't any batter plus all parents at the A&E are very stressed, worried, and tired from a long/short wait as we are there for our little ones.Parents need support and kindness and more importantly you need to show some care for your patients. On top of this, in four hours(and over) we did not see any cleaner. Very busy day, at the A&E for over 4 hours no 1 cleaner came to clean the toilets, swipe the floor, refill the plastic cups at the water tap

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Responses

Response from Chelsea & Westminster Hospital 7 years ago
Chelsea & Westminster Hospital
Submitted on 25/04/2017 at 11:47
Published on nhs.uk on 28/04/2017 at 04:22


Dear Aurelia,

I’m very sorry you have had cause to complain. I would like to inform you that I have logged raised concerns on our system so the A&E management are aware of your experience.

If you wish to discuss your concerns further please do not hesitate to contact PALS at 02033156727.

Kind Regards,

PALS Team

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