Nottinghamshire patients have shared some of their experiences of the emergency department at QMC after the hospital faced criticism for missing targets.
Deputy chief executive of the hospital’s ruling Trust, Dr Stephen Fowlie, said that the trust ‘doesn’t have an answer’ as to why A&E performance dipped dramatically in the summer when questioned by a council health committee.
But he added the hospital is now heading back towards meeting the national mark of 95 per cent of patients treated, transferred or discharged within four hours.
Some Nottingham Facebook users shared their experiences of when they or a friend or family member did not receive the care they expected.
I spent 10 hours on a trolley in A&E waiting for a bed
Ginny Hartman wrote: “In February this year I spent 10 hours on a trolley in A&E waiting for a bed!”
Rebecca Robinson added: “I went earlier this year with Crohn’s disease and had blood tests.
“Was there about four hours to say it’s ok, my bloods are fine; then I ring my IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] nurse.
“Still bad and I get rushed in as she couldn’t understand why they didn’t keep me as my markers on my bloods were bad.
“Whether they are strained or not they should know what to look for.”
Kate Pearson wrote: “In July I spent many hours there (far more than 4).
“I was passed from waiting room to waiting room and then seen by a nurse and sent home with no clearer idea of what was wrong; not a good experience.
“Ambulance crew insisted I go, despite my reservations but it did me no good whatsoever.
“The long wait in hot noisy conditions was extremely stressful and exhausting.”
Very nice, caring staff; they can only do what they do, give them a break
But others shared experiences of when the care and treatment they received was above their expectations.
Leanne Preston wrote: “Had to take my three-day-old son to A&E on the advice of my midwife due to jaundice, not feeding and dehydration.
“The waiting room was full and the waiting time was four hours, however my son was seen within half an hour and admitted on the ward where we stayed for four days.
“I cannot fault the staff at the hospital; my partner and I were very upset and concerned but they were brilliant at putting our minds to rest.
“Unfortunately they don’t get enough credit for the amazing work they do!”
Julie Crouch wrote: “Had fantastic service in A&E on both occasions; my son in five minutes and straight to resus [resuscitation] and my mum was brought in via ambulance.
“Very nice, caring staff; they can only do what they do, give them a break.”
Hilary Righton wrote: “I fell and dislocated my right shoulder, tearing all ligaments and soft tissue to my right shoulder.
“A&E was great; treated me within five minutes and continued good, quality care and operation throughout a whole year later.
“People were there drunk, rowdy and some could have got simple treatment at other resources; people and patients were just turning up and blocking the area.”
