November 14, 2019
What has happened to A andE? Experience as doctor and patient
Dr Daz, Dr Ramdaz and I ran an eight hour shift system at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital Casualty Dept. back in 1969. We were well backed up by a Sister and a Staff Nurse. Work trickled in through the day, but hardly anything at night. We dealt with Heart Attacks, Road Accidents and general stuff, and coped very well. It was a good team, a good job and there were plenty of slack times as well, when Casualty had no patients.
I had the misfortune to be admitted to the modern A and E at Winchester a year or so ago. A nightmare, full waiting area, numerous staff rushing about, people in corridors and general mayhem. I waited many hours to see a doctor – this never happened. A nursing assistant dealt with me and to some extent relieved my pain. Just before midnight I discharged myself.
A few days later I got the Flu, probably picked up in a hot, stuffy A and E full of God knows what bugs. The staff, in difficult circumstances, were brilliant. The resource was abominable. What ever has happened?
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