"Kept waiting too long for a bed"

I went to Aintree Hospital, (Fazakerley). I was treated for Asthma, had a chest infection, very low peak flow and had a Spirometry test. First of all I went to the Asthma clinic then I was sent to A & E where I had to sit in an upright chair for 4.5 hours. I had to go there awaiting a bed because the clinic closed at 5.00pm. I was given a Nebuliser after 2 hours in A & E. In the reception area, by the way, it was freezing cold, because the ambulances were bringing patients in, very busy. There were 9 of us at one point and I finally went to M.A.U and got a bed at 9.40pm.

I think that there should be more communication amongst the staff. I had been x-rayed and had blood taken at the clinic from where I was admitted and staff were coming to me on the ward asking me to go to x-ray and to have blood taken. This made me angry, if I hadn't been able to speak up, more bloods, more x-rays would have been taken, a complete waste of time and money.

On finally getting a bed on M.A.U. I was not happy with the mixed wards. I experienced a gentleman trying to change his own pyjamas, no curtains around him. The staff were doing the change over, so noone to help him. I find it very embarrassing, I didn't sleep at all until i went to the ward on the chest unit.

When I was told that I was moving to another ward, trying to get your things together yourself when you are poorly can be very frustrating. The nurses are all very good, but, not enough of them, especially at night. Also I don't like having to explain to all the different doctors, why can't patients have there own doctors and consultants that they are used to. I was discharged by a doctor who had not met me more than once on the Sunday, only to be taken ill on the Monday afternoon, very poorly, but, very reluctant to go back into hospital. This hospital has been looking after me for the last 24 years of which I am very grateful. Please don't let me lose faith in it. Something needs to be done.