"A&E care great, when finally got to see them"

Took husband to a&e as instructed by GP at 11.30pm, gp told us he needed to be admitted immediately as had serious kidney problem and to show staff info readings from GP to show seriousness. On arrival, and after phoning prior, was told 5 hour wait to even be seen by doctor, even after giving them said information. He nearly collapsed in waiting area after sitting for over 2 hours, I queried at reception again to be told two more in front then he'd be seen, explained he was about passing out and he wouldn't make much longer waiting, they did nothing til they saw him go down doubled up, how bad he was then came to tell us a nurse would see him instead. Now unless this receptionist is medically trained,I fail to see how they can decide who is priority to be seen.

According to the information screen, there were zero patients waiting who were "serious", but if kidney failure isnt serious (they were given readings and told the information on arrival) there is something seriously wrong here! The nurse was fantastic, diagnosed he was in a serious state,treated him quickly and straight into resus for help in sorting him, can't thank the nurse enough. The care and attention on resus and the whole team was fantastic. Unfortunately, after being transferred to ward/s afterwards there some considerable time, the (lack of) care in places was unacceptable. No continuity, lack of knowledge about his problems between staff and handovers, consultants failed to see him or update him regularly amongst other issues. Very disappointed.