Care Opinion

Pretty dismayed by this experience

Posted By corvustm56

"Pretty dismayed by this experience"

About: Causeway Hospital / Accident & Emergency

(as a service user),

I am in A&E at Coleraine hospital, Northern Ireland.  I tripped and injured my hand and face.

So far I have been here for 5 and a half hours and have been told it will be at least an hour minimum till a doctor can see me. I had triage and X ray over 3 hours ago, and it appears I have a break in my hand. 

I am on holiday here and had to get a taxi from my hotel, as I can't drive. It's now 21:25 and I've no idea how long I'll be here or how I'll get a taxi late at night the 10 miles to my hotel. I'm in my 70s. 

Pretty dismayed by this experience. I've never had to use A&E before, and I know how wretched a state the NHS has been in recently. This story is not to criticise staff but to highlight lack of resources here. 

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Responses

Response from Victoria McCrory, Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Medicine and Emergency Medicine, NHSCT 3 months ago
Victoria McCrory
Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Medicine and Emergency Medicine,
NHSCT

Submitted on 30/09/2024 at 11:14
Published on Care Opinion at 11:14

Hello corvustm56

My name is Victoria McCrory and I am the Assistant Clinical Services Manager for Causeway ED. I am sorry to hear that you have recently sustained an injury and had to attend the dept.

I am sorry to hear about the delay in your time to be seen and your long waiting time. This is not the standard of care which we aim to achieve. Unfortunately the department has remained under sustained pressures for a significant period of time, and at time of increased demand waiting times can be delayed.

Staff within the department aim to see people as quickly and safely as possible, however at times of increased demand patients have to be prioritised according to their acute clinical need.

Due to the anonymous nature of Care Opinion I am unable to check up on your outcome, however I hope you got back to your hotel safely. Please be assured that the department has processes in place to assist people who struggle to arrange transport, to ensure they get back home safely.

I will ensure your feedback is shared with all staff in the department for learning, and I wish you a strong recovery.

Yours Sincerely

Victoria McCrory

ACSM CAU ED

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