"Surgical emergency ambulatory care"

I was referred to this unit after attending A&E. When I attended the unit on the first day I was told to sit down and my bloods were taken soon after. I didn’t get told the name of the support worker who took my bloods and I was then told to take a seat and wait for an ultrasound. After 5 hours without any communication from anyone on the unit.

I asked when my scan would be. I was told as it’s an emergency I just had to sit and wait. I explained I had children stopping with a friend and the reply I got was‘Well what would you do with your children if you was an inpatient?’ I was a bit taken back! After a further 1.5 hours I explained that I would have to leave and I was told I would called tomorrow with a time for a scan.

I returned the next day to the ultra sound department for my scan. This department was excellent! I was informed of everyone’s names and the procedure was explained. Once I had the scan done had to return to the SEAC unit. I was told by the ward clerk to take a seat in the waiting rooms I sat for 2 hours without anyone speaking to me. It was only when the lovely lady support worker asked the male support worker who I was (I don’t know their name as was never told). His reply was ‘I don’t have a clue!’. My blood pressure was taken and then I sat for a further 5 hours. An older gentleman asked the male support worker how long it was going to be he was told ‘I have asked them, so if they are busy they are busy! You will just have to wait.’ This unit was very busy and can totally appreciate that, however there was just no communication at all from any of the staff and when communication was made it was so poor.