My son was made to wait at MIU for over an hour following a siezure and collapsed in waiting room.
My son attended MIU west mendip a few weeks ago. I rang prior to visiting and stated that I did not want to wait for an ambulance but I think my son has had a siezure and dislocated his shoulder. He is a newly diagnosed epileptic. I asked if it was appropriate I brought him as more serious, I spoke to a nurse and was told this was fine and they can transfer him if needed. I was told he would be seen straight away over the phone.
We attended to find the waiting room full, with people with non-urgent issues, e.g had injured self few days ago. I stressed to the receptionist that I was VERY concerned about my sons presentation was told in a very rude manner that the situation has changed since I called and they had told me on the phone to go elsewhere as they only have 1 nurse on. This was not true. Other people in the waiting room were shocked at this rudeness.
After 45 mins my son was looking more and more unwell and although he was lucid (this happens following a siezure) I stressed to receptionist my son had not been triaged as I could see everyone with minor ailments going first. I complained and they send a nurse out in the waiting room and had a conversation with my son, despite him being 'out of it' they refused to speak to me as he is 18. The nurse left him again and deduced he can wait - 20 mins later my son passes out in the waiting room and immediately needed medical attention including IV pain relief. He was put on a bed and stayed the next few hours being monitored and went for xray on a bed as he could not be roused as he was postictal.
My issue is the care we received and lack of private triage on arrival where I could have given my sons history as he couldn't remember and attitude of the receptionist was appalling. We will never go to MIU again and only A&E
This is not how to care for a person following a seizure to have to sit upright in a waiting room with others for 90 minutes. Appalled
The care once the nursing staff realised was very good but what my son went through was unforgivable,
Reception
Being listened to
Waiting time
Staff attitude
Team work
Staff skills
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