"Eye opener!"

My 90 year old mother fell and broke her hip yesterday 16/2/18. She waited 45 minutes lying on the cold floor for an ambulance despite, being in the city centre. Upon arrival at A and E, I was shocked to see patients ‘stacked’ in the corridor on trolleys where Doctors were conducting assessments , using portable screens to offer dignity. Several times I had to turn away to avoid intrusion because we were all in such close proximity due to lack of space. We spent several hours in A and E before reaching the trauma ward. During this time, I did not see one member is staff take a break. They all appeared incredibly busy, I heard the nurses discussing how the doctors were now ‘overwhelmed’ with work. It was hard to be a spectator watching staff spinning so many plates when life changing decisions are being made. I was told this wasn’t even a particularly busy day!

How has this situation become so bad? Underfunded, overworked and overwhelmed. I intend to bring my observations to my local MP, and would urge others with similar views to do the same. Thank God for the hard work and good will of our NHS staff.