"A & E On Call Staff"

I had reason to call 111 last night (040818) at about 10.00pm as was getting flashing lights in one eye. This wasn't apparent until I was in the dark just before going to bed. I have an eye complaint so know some of the symptoms to be concerned about. Had had what I thought was a migraine the night before. Both nurses on 111 were very efficient asking lots of questions and then decided I must go to A & E.

When I got there,a short while after saw Triage. I provided letter showing what my eye condition is. There is higher risk of retinal detachment with the condition. After waiting for a resaonable length of time to SEE someone I was called in to be told that they had spoken to "On Call" Opthalmologist and an appointment had been made for this afternoon, 050818, at Opthalmology at Cheltenham. The symtoms of Detached Posterior Vitreous are similar to a torn/detached retina. Fortunately I have the former but not out of the woods until such time that it completely detaches. I could have lost vision with such a delay in examination and so I am unhappy with Gloucester Royal A & E.

Visit to Knightsbridge Ward at Cheltenham today all good. We chose to go to Gloucester because of Worcester's poor reviews which is ironic. If you can't get examined in such circumstances it makes a joke out of the 111 Service and creates two layers of people not offering care. Not good enough I am afraid and another exapmle of NHS monies not well spent.