"Emergency Admission April 4th 2018"

My lovely elderly friend who lives in a 24 hour care setting was taken to hospital on the afternoon of the above date following an urgent e.c.g. requested by her G.P. and conducted by a paramedic. I followed later by car to be with her to give reassurance and support. She has no family and has been in care her whole life. This department was just bursting at the seams with many people in various waiting areas, people on trolleys in the corridors and many more people on trolleys and in chairs in the rapid assessment area and majors assessment area. I have spent many many hours over the years in this particular department and can honestly say I have never before in my life seen it so so busy. The staff were pleasant, friendly, caring, kind, efficient and very professional. They were very clearly pulling together to ensure that everyone was being attended to and treated. I wasn't just watching the nurses pulling together, this whole teamwork involved, nurse, doctors, ambulance staff, radiographers, porters, ancillary staff and security staff. I sincerely hope I have not missed anyone out from this list. The nurse who came along to attend to my friend following an initial assessment was simply lovely. A young man working as a locum. He was pleasant, very professional, thorough, kind, gentle, understanding and took on board everything I told him about my friend. There was a calmness throughout, which , in the circumstances was really incredibly amazing. Only one side of the bay we were in had screens. The number of times patients had to be moved on their trolleys from one side of this bay to the other to maintain a patients dignity was a lot. All done with patience and understanding by these wonderful staff. There were people grumbling, people in pain and discomfort, people in distress - nothing phased these wonderful caring professionals. I take my hat off to them. They should not have to work under such pressure but this is the N.H.S. today. There were insufficient brackets on which to hang drips - did this deter them? No not at all - they improvised - arms of lights, curtain tracks, you name it they utilised it. Later the same night after many hours sitting in a wheelchair my friend was moved to the majors assessment area and during the night sometime onwards to C.D.U. where she finally had a proper bed to lay her tired and weary head. Having now visited her and spoken with several members of nursing and medical staff I continue to be in awe of these people. Professional, efficient, caring, kind, patient and so hardworking. I have watched them and I know what I'm talking about. All of these people deserve more praise than I can give them for the sterling work they are doing. The rapid assessment area had gotten into a bit of an untidy state but this can be overlooked. I happily picked up a few bits and pieces and would have happily done more to help if I hadn't my friend to support. C.D.U wards are spotless and organised. Thank you to all of you.