"This hospital is suffering from budget cuts"

My son broke his collarbone. We arrived at A&E at 11pm after a referral via the 111 service. The staff at this hospital work so so hard, but it’s clear to see that this hospital is really suffering from a severe lack of funding. The caring staff appear tired and stressed, doing their best in this makeshift environment. The waiting room was busy with many people who had colds/coughs (and genuine A&E patients), people who were sharing tales of being unable to get timely appointments with GPs. It was an hour until we were triaged and 3.5 hours until we were seen by a doctor, to no fault of the staff. We were at the hospital until around 3.45am for triage, doctor consultation, x-ray, and a final consultation with a temporary sling fitted. We were given an appointment to return next week for a proper support fitting. It’s the soonest available which evidences the lack of resources the hospital is challenged with.

The hospital is tatty and in bad repair. Clearly seen are attempts made to carry out minor repairs to the building, but they have been done cheaply and are wholly inadequate. After triage, we spent several hours sitting in a minor injury bay opposite a toilet with an ill-fitting door. A patient used the toilet to empty their bowels. Due to the many sizeable gaps in the door/ door surround, we heard/smelled every single part of their bowel movement; right down to the 'splashes' in the pan and their gas releases. This poor person was clearly unwell and unable to relieve themselves with dignity! Located so close to the non-private loo really gave a shocking insight to how infrequently other members of the public wash their hands! Hospital staff, thankfully, do wash their hands afterwards (yep, we could unavoidably hear everything in this loo!).

My son suffers with a rare pituitary gland issue (and autism), which causes him to compulsively consume an excessive quantity of fluids. He became distressed and anxious whilst abstaining from drinking until he had been assessed by the doctor.

I’d like to thank all the hardworking staff who looked after my son, I appreciate everything. I empathise with limitations diligent staff face due to an evident lack of funding. I am sad because many other patients were moaning about wait times. This is not the fault of the hospital staff at all. The Conservative party have created these issues. I rarely use the NHS services, I haven't visited an A&E for 6 years, but I now understand the crisis reports documented on the News. I would not work under these conditions. Heroes at our hospital deserve better. Decent working environments, adequate staffing and resources, functional support from GP services, and a fair remuneration should all be standard provisions to our Hospital Heroes. Shame on the government for taking them for granted. The conservatives will be the death of the NHS, and this country all round.

Thank you for your excellent, compassionate care under the dire conditions our government deems suitable.