"Referral to GPAU at Leicester Royal Infirmary"

Further to an emergency appointment with my GP I was referred to GPAU at the LRI. My GP wrote a letter to suggest Bell's Palsy and that further investigation was required. GPAU is set in the Adult Emergency Department of the LRI.

My arrival time was in the afternoon. As I write this it is over 7 hours later. I am told to expect to endure a further 2hr wait. Initial assessments took place within four hours but I am yet to be seen by a Doctor. When I approached the desk after 5 hours I was told there was an extended wait and that should I leave to get food I could miss my slot with the Doctor.  The offer of a coffee cart came round after 6 hours. During this time I have played, what feels like, musical chairs due to the restricted seating because of Covid restrictions, should I need the toilet or be given an assessment. I have faced a TV screen which plays on loop numerous statements that I could distil into plainly, put up and shut up. I feel like I am being punished for seeking out help. When I spoke to the desk asking if I am to be discharged I was told I need to be seen by a doctor. I understood and suggested the GP notes concur and that ultimately it was highly likely that a doctor would need to prescribe a course of steroids as my treatment. The desk agreed and asked why my GP didn't just do that.

I just don't feel that a 10-12 hour wait is acceptable, especially if the process is a somewhat routine GP referral, because the ED have the appropriate equipment to carry out a neurological assessment. If anything, I feel worse spending so much of my time here and would probably make a more comfortable (even if it was longer) recovery having stayed at home. 

I was fortunate enough to have my wife deliver food to me. Due to length of time I have been here I have had to request pain meds repeatedly. I am still waiting to be seen.