"A&E"

My son was taken to A&E with a dislocated shoulder following accident in the area. He was in excruciating pain and the staff were asked for assistance getting him into the department. He was told they would get a wheelchair but then was made to walk into the department. During the 3 hours+ wait until being sent to x-ray, the doctor who was sitting typing notes most of this time was informed that he was epileptic and was overdue taking his medication, she looked at my husband as though he wasn't there and said she wasn't my son's doctor. Nothing was done about his medication, they were not interested, but eventually someone came and took him for an x-ray. His shoulder was eventually re-set by the doctor who said she wasn't 'his' doctor, and after another x-ray he was sent home.

During the 4 and a half hours he was there the staff were uninterested, just milling about doing very little, my son asked for a drink and was told someone would bring him some water - he is still waiting. Their attitude was uncaring and unhurried even though the department was not very busy. At no point during this admission did anyone give him an information on why he was having to wait, in pain, when staff were standing around. Dreadful treatment and the worst staff in any of the A&E departments he has been admitted to in the North East. If a department has delays that patients may not be aware of then someone should communicate that to the patient, not just leave them sitting there, in pain, and without their usual medication for hours.