"My experience at A&E"

I presented to A&E, Central Gippsland Hospital late last year. I told the Triage nurse that I had chest pain, shortness of breath and feeling very unwell.

The dept. wasn't busy so I only waited a few minutes until I was called. I advised the Triage nurse that I had visited my GP that morning who prescribed, Ventolin, a spacer, Prednisolone and wrote referrals for blood tests and an X-ray for the following Monday. The doctor also advised me that they felt they were taking a risk and if my situation worsened, to present to A&E.

I felt the Triage nurse barked their questions at me of how much Ventolin I had taken.  I said none. I was then asked why not. I was too sick. Three times the nurse continued to carry on with their questions about how much Ventolin and Prednisolone did I take. 

I raised my arms in frustration. I had seen the Doctor in the morning and two hours later I felt so unwell that I didn't bother with the medication, I just wanted a quick shower and get here for some help. 

The nurse seemed to realise then that I was very sick, or that they had crossed the line. Their tone softened and they said they could hear my wheezing from 1 metre away.

I find it hard to comprehend that a person I believe was so cold, uncaring and lacking compassion and, in my opinion, full of their own importance, can hold a front desk position in such a vulnerable and fragile department of the Hospital.

I think that maybe this person was having a bad day or maybe they have been in their position for too long. I was admitted that night and spent 3 nights in a ward. 

The nurses and staff there, as in A&E were just amazing, Angels. 

I am sorry to have to write this report, but hopefully, this reaches the person involved and they may have a good think about how they would like to be treated if the situation was reversed. 

Reception