“Where is St Helier's A&E?”
This was a question a friend of my wife faced during the week.
After breaking her arm, in considerable pain, she fetched up at St Helier on a Saturday morning, but could see no sign directing her to accident and emergency. Yes, there was a sign to “Urgent Care Centre” on blue background and “Emergency Department” on red background but which was A&E was not immediately clear.
In pain and some distress she was eventually directed by a doctor to the right place where she received excellent treatment.
Her condition was not life threatening but had it been that delay could have proved crucial.
It is true A&E is being misused sometimes by patients who should be going to their GPs instead.
But why go to all the expense of changing signs from the clear, understood by everyone “A&E” to a sign which gives the patient a choice at a time when they may not be best placed to make one – unless closing A&E had been in plan but had been put on hold?
DAVID MURRAY
Blenheim Gardens, Wallington
- Send your letters to: letters@suttonguardian.co.uk
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