"Great ward (Exe) - not so good A&E"

Anything else?

Last Friday I had my third attack of ureteric colic. Intensely painful. I was admitted to Exe Ward, which was brilliant - friendly, helpful cooperative nurses and doctors, spotless, prompt attention. literally couldn't be better. I wish I could say the same for A&E. I attended at midnight, having first contacted DDoc, who advised that I should go there. I was in severe pain, admittedly with a non life-threatening condition, and admittedly they were busy. However, it still took two hours, before I actually received any effective analgesia - well over an hour after the doctor had authorised it. It may not seem very long, but when in severe pain (scale 8-9), and knowing that relief was quick and easy, it was not acceptable. The impression I got was of a department that were overstretched, tired and in need of support, and maybe more staff. I hope someone acts on this, to reduce similar problems in the future. Stephen Price