"Horrific Experience in the ER"

Unfortunately my experience at Charlies was horrendous.   Let me state that I have worked in an ED and understand the pressure they are under. 

I have a very complex condition and understand I was at risk of become septic if left untreated and my surgeon who was amazing unfortunately had to go on personal leave.  I was in limbo and couldn't find immediate help outside the ED and my GP felt it was best to attend before things became worse.  

Unfortunately I felt that Charlies didn't fully understand how complex my health issue is and were, in my opinion, very dismissive.  They left me in the ED waiting room from 8pm and to 12pm without a resolution. My condition means I can not sit for extended period of time.  I understand that they knew that and we even escalated the issue but they didn't seem to care.   I also have CPTSD and some medical trauma due to the impact the condition has had on my life.  They were informed but again I felt there was no support.   In the end I told them to discharge me and went home.  I believed that staying there was doing me more harm than good.  

My parent also had to attend ED for what turned out to be a mini stroke.  They too had to wait for hours in the waiting room and it took them several hours to check my parent's BP which was at the time exceptionally high and still my parent was left in their waiting room.  Eventually they admitted my parent and placed in a room full of dementia patients which was also traumatising for them as some of the patients were aggressive and abusive.  My parent also had to escalate the issue and arranged to be discharged asap. 

I think something needs to change in WA and fast because in my opinion the system is absolutely broken.  It was heart breaking to watch all the elderly and very unwell people.  What has seemingly happened to our compassion.