Northwick Park Hospital 2021-11-28 Person 1 5 0

My review in one word is my care was “disgusting” in relation to catering for a Spinal Injured Tetraplegic i.e. paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. 1) On arrival I was asked to speak to the receptionist into a microphone which was some 2 feet higher than my mouth. She could not hear me so asked me to shout as loud as I could with all my personal details so that everyone on the whole A & E could hear. Eventually she did come round from behind the screen but told me she wasn’t meant to. I was made to feel a nuisance. 2) I quite quickly saw a triage nurse to explain my suprapubic catheter was by passing and I was worried I might have an AD attack ( Autonomic Dysreflexia). The nurse had no idea what I was talking about so I had to hand over a leaflet I have explaining what it is. 3) I was taken to a cubicle and told to get on the bed. Once again I explained I am paralysed and I can transfer onto a bed but it has to be lowered to be level with the seat of my wheelchair so I can shuffle across. I was told that no beds in A & E could be lowered. It was suggested the nurse help me stand but I can’t stand. I was told they would change the bed. After 1 hour sitting in the cubicle a porter changed the bed but the new bed also didn’t lower. The porter was adamant this bed was good for me and wouldn’t listen to my problem. I complained again and was made to wait a further 2 hours for a suitable bed during which time I also explained I had been sitting in my chair for far too long and urgently needed to do pressure relief (I have never been in my chair for so long) I am desperate not to get a pressure sore as had one before which resulted in 2 months in hospital and 18 months bed rest. No one showed any interest in my concern. 4) After 3 hours waiting for a suitable bed to arrive I then asked for a pillow as I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and 2 metal rods in my neck so my head needs supporting. I was flatly told I couldn’t have a pillow so ended up having to use a folded blanket. The good news is I will never attend Northwick Park A & E again and will notify all my Spinal Injured friends that we are not welcome

Read above and make provision for the disabled