"Waiting to be triaged"

A couple of weeks ago I attended Royal Perth Hospital ED with a work colleague who had had a nasty fall. They were in excruciating pain (suspected broken ribs) and had difficulty not only walking, but also breathing. 

Upon arriving in the ED area, we were both shocked at the way people who were sick and vulnerable are triaged in the ambulance bay area outside the ED. We muddled our way around as we couldn't see any signage telling us where to go and eventually found the right spot. Unfortunately, I felt we were ignored by the one, very busy, triage nurse who was clearly doing their best taking the details of other people who were waiting. I might just say that in my opinion, a quick acknowledgement like 'hi, I won't be long' or even a glance in our direction goes a long way in alleviating the anxiety of being left waiting and not knowing if you've been seen. 

Anyway, we continued to stand - with my colleague in agony - as we were obeying the one sign that was clear, which said 'Please wait here.' Eventually (after about 5 minutes), a security guard ambled over from the ED entrance and told us we could sit down if we wanted. We did just that and then waited for the nurse to see my colleague. During the wait, we watched other people follow us in wheelchairs and on crutches, all having to wait in the cold. The marquee where we sat has a roof, but no side or front protections, so sitting in there really provides little if any protection from the elements. Surely the area can be contained a bit more with some plastic blinds (like restaurants) or outdoor blow heaters or blankets? This area is a wind tunnel and is so cold and uncomfortable.

I work in the health system and understand the significant challenges that Covid has brought and how we have to work differently and adapt to change. However, surely we can do better than have people sitting in the cold, potentially exacerbating their symptoms and creating more problems for staff and an already over stretched system. I find myself becoming increasingly incensed at the rhetoric around how we prioritise person-centred and compassionate care when it seems we're not providing the most basic of human needs (warmth and comfort) for people who need it most.   

I believe on behalf of people who find themselves needing the ED and as the temperature continues to drop, can you please improve this situation for everyone involved?