I went into ED and explained my issue to the triage nurse, she explained to me it would be a bit of a wait until I was seen as they had other patients. I said that's fine. I then ended up seeing the doctor, which wasn't that long after maybe 45 minutes and he informed me that the nurses could do a dressing for me, but it would be a bit of a wait. I said no that's fine as I had been managing to do it myself and I left with a script for medication that was needed for my infected skin sore.
I think the ED staff may need to review the language they use when speaking to patients. Telling patients 'it'll be a bit of a wait' until you are seen is a bit off-putting because some people presenting to ED may take that to mean - ok they're too busy to see me so I'll go home, or it will be a long wait I might as well just go home.
I understand ED is a busy environment, but I think that many people who present to ED expect to have to wait, as it's common knowledge what the nature of ED departments are. An everyday person knows that patients get seen on urgency and it depends how many people are there. The language used to communicate with patients is important and often it's the little things that are said that contribute to a patient's overall experience at a health service.
"ED language used"
About: Carnarvon Hospital / Emergency Department Carnarvon Hospital Emergency Department Carnarvon 6701
Posted by clouded765 (as ),
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