"Distressing care or lack of in triage section of Emergency department"

I recently attended the Emergency Department due to experiencing extreme pain after a surgical procedure I had earlier in the week. 

The attitude of the triage staff was particularly distressing and concerning. Rather than demonstrating empathy or professionalism, interactions felt abrupt and dismissive, leaving me feeling like an inconvenience rather than a patient in need of care. I believe a compassionate approach goes a long way in a high-stress environment, and this was noticeably absent, during my hours in triage.

After my spouse had asked for help for me on 2 occasions, with no action or concern from staff - a nurse visited every other patient in the waiting room, taking their obs. They did not once make eye contact with me and completely ignored the obvious signs of me being in distress - when they returned to their desk without even asking me how I was, I broke down crying.  This was extremely distressing and embarrassing for me and the other people in the waiting room. 

Eventually someone came to take a blood sample from me in the waiting room - I am crying, having trouble trying to speak and explain my agonising pain and I felt I was greeted with no empathy what so ever, just short one word answers or comments.  My spouse once again expressed that I needed to lay down and we were thinking of going to go sit in the car to at least have a reclined seat - the response to this was, you are welcome to do that, I just need to take this blood first. 

Once I was eventually admitted to the Emergency Department all the staff I saw were amazing and went above and beyond in my overnight care. The nursing staff were extremely compassionate, caring and went above and beyond in attending to patients.  

Please explain to your triage staff that a little empathy goes a very long way. I know you’re busy, I know there will be a wait time, but please “see me”, acknowledge me and ask if I am ok . 😞.