"Emergency Department experience"

I recently attended the Saint John of God Midland (SJOG) Emergency Department after feeling quite unwell. I knew it wasn't an "emergency" but as none of the nearby GP clinics had any available spots I thought driving five minutes to Midland can't be too bad.

Quite interestingly as a weekday, when I arrived there I was straight away triaged after a few people before me had obviously left. Knowing that it was most likely a 'Category 4' I didn't mind waiting a while to be seen. During that time I saw quite a fair few people who were wheeled in and triaged straight away which upset a few patients waiting to be triaged. The volunteers tried explaining the priority system only to be verbally abused which I thought was quite sad.

However once I got admitted, the lovely Resident Medical Officer came and saw me straight away and started doing a thorough history and physical examination. He was really understanding and I thought it was quite humorous that he had to explain to me about cannulas and IV hydration when I, myself am a nurse haha.

The lovely nurses were really helpful and weren't far away whenever I required anything, I have the utmost respect for Emergency Department nurses and how busy and challenging their shifts can be, so thank you so much for your care and I appreciate your kindness.

The great senior Doctor who came in and also looked after me was superb, he said they were thinking of transferring me to the Short Stay Unit (SSU) for further observations but knowing that I was a nurse he asked me how I felt. They gave me the choice to be discharged or stay a bit longer in the SSU. I really value that he included me in the decision to be discharged, they could have discharged me without asking for my input and I felt really happy to have a voice in my care (which is what we as nurses always strive for, for our patients). Thank you for the care and humour.