"Terrible Experience at A&E"

Following a previous scalded injury to the foot, I was treated with dressings on the injury and was told to come back to the hospital to change my dressings as my registered GP is farther than the hospital, thus would be difficult for me to get there myself. I called ahead to 111 prior to my dressing change to ensure that I am going to the right location in the hospital, and was reassured that the Urgent Care Centre in the A&E department of Whipps Cross Hospital would be correct. I arrived the next day to get my dressings changed. The wait was not very long and I was seen to the nurse within half an hour, which I was impressed with, but the nurse who was assessing me was unprofessional and unbelievably rude.

When she asked me of my reason to be there, I told her about my initial injury and presented her with the discharge letter given by the hospital. Instead of letting me explain that my GP was too far, she started talking to me with a hostile manner, saying that I should not be coming to A&E for this matter. She would not let me explain myself until she was done making me feel upset and insecure about my arrival to the hospital.

After I had explained, she told me to go onto the bed to allow ease for her to change the dressings. As she was preparing for my dressings, I enquired for travelling advice as I will be going on holiday, and I understand that my dressings had to be changed every few days, so I asked her what I should do. She replied in the rudest, most disrespectful tone saying "that is none of my business", causing me to burst into tears as I had already felt unwelcomed by her initial criticism of turning up to A&E. She continued in a loud voice asking me "why are you crying? We are just having a discussion!"

This manner is unacceptable and I regret not filing a complaint immediately. I was so distraught by the whole process that I left as soon as she was complete with my re-dressing. I cannot believe people with such unprofessional behaviour is allowed to be part of the healthcare team. I feel sorry for anyone who will be attended by this nurse in the future.