Watford General Hospital 2019-02-23 Person 1 5 0

It was with great disappointment that I write this review of A & E Watford. In three visits in the last week I have left feeling exhausted angry & disappointed with a very poor service. 1st visit: arrived at about 7pm in the evening with what I had thought a badly sprained ankle. I had waited a week trying to treat it at home partly as I couldn't face the inevitable 3/4 hour wait in A&E. Now in considerable pain I approached the 'streaming nurse' having waited patiently on one leg she said it would be at least a 4 hour wait to see a doctor, she turned her screen round so I could see list of people waiting (surely not appropriate) said a sprain takes longer than a break to heal and suggested I attended minor injuries the following day. To cover herself she said at end "of course your decision" (to cover herself). I left. 2nd visit: I first attended MT Vernon diagnosed broken leg, plaster and excellent care I then had to go to Watford A & E for urgent medication. Approached streaming nurse (usual grubby sign says 3/4 hour wait - come to conclusion this always there to deter patients staying) having stood on one leg whilst patient in front was given 3rd degree about attending A& E. Then had to try & negotiate full waiting room to long check in queue, I couldn't stand so a gentleman kindly gave me a seat & I had to wait for my husband to check me in. Now standing room only in waiting as not enough seating. Could not put my foot in plaster up and people trying to get to check in accidentally hitting it. Room full of sick people no one checking on situation. 6 hours later (a very distressing day) finally left A & E but they failed to send notes to GP so unable to get follow up prescription. 3rd visit back to A& E to get prescription as notes not sent to GP. Husband went at 8am but told I had to go. He collected me on arrival guess what same grubby notice 3/4 hour wait streaming nurse (but more a blocker point) explained it would be a 3 hour wait. I left without medication. Issues: No where to drop patients safely at A & E Long walk to get to reception once dropped off presents difficulties for those with mobility issues and no wheelchairs readily available Streaming nurse - listens to concerns no proper assessment and acts more as a 'block' to attend in A &E Then have to queue a 2nd time to check in (another block) Limited seating and awful waiting room (another block) Length of waiting - all I spoke to had basically been there all day. I was there 6 hours. No one taking care of patients waiting All but one member of staff quite abrupt and not a single smile. Am aware of staff shortages and limited funding but a smile and support costs nothing. I recently attended A& E at Moofields London with a friend - a very different experience and the management of Watford A & E could learn a lot from a visit there. Hemel fracture clinic excellent which was mainly led by the excellent staff what a difference. My 6 hour visited resembled a cattle market.