The wait in A&E -is there a limit as to how long you've got to wait?

Former Member

I have mentioned some of this in the Rant thread.

Dad has suspected appendicitis and went to his GP this morning who sent him to A&E. Within 2 and a half hours, he'd seen a junior doctor and was told to see a consultant. 6 hours later, him and mum were still waiting to see someone.

I'm sure I read (a long time ago) that there was a waiting limit of 3-4 hours?

According to someone at the hospital, if dad goes through NHS 24 first, he'll get seen quicker? Anyone know anything about this, please?

Dad discharged himself and now he's going back tomorrow to see if he can get anywhere.

Former Member

The official expectation is that 95% of patients are discharged or admitted within 4 hours, although the Tories quietly relaxed this when they were elected.

If your Dad has suspected appendicitis then he really should have stayed, it's risky to leave it in case it bursts. Whilst you were waiting for consultant did anyone else speak to you, or did you ask for someone to speak with?

NHS 24 makes no difference.

Former Member

Going via NHS Direct would make no difference to going via the GP.

Like Slarti said, if you dad has suspected appendicitis he was quite frankly stupid to take himself home. If his appendix busrts while he's at home he'll get very rapidly worse. If it happens in hospital, then they can react accordingly.

Former Member

How is he now?

Former Member

Hi Melian:wave:,

Sorry to hear that your dad is unwell ?, how is he doing ?. It can be very frustrating waiting at A&E to be seen and can be quite a lengthy wait !. Did he go back to the hospital and get seen ?

Keep posting and let us know how things are !

Take care,
B:wave:

Former Member

Slartibartfast wrote: »

How is he now?

They went back up Wednesday, got seen, admitted and was operated on Wednesday evening. Still on oxygen and has an infection. He was hoping to come home today.

Former Member

Update:

He's still in hospital. On Thursday, he had a temperature, which seemed to go up whenever he had something to eat. He is still in a lot of pain and had some issues with high blood pressure. They are now having to find out exactly why he's still in pain. He was originally coming home on Friday, then it was the weekend, then today and now they don't know.

Former Member

Sorry to hear he's still in hospital Melian, he's in good hands though I'm sure and in the right place. Wishing him a speedy recovery *hug*

Former Member

Thanks Jo. He came home last night, which was a bit of a surprise. He sent a relative a text earlier in the day saying they weren't sure.