Birmingham Heartlands Hospital - Emergency Department 2022-02-03 Person 2 5 0

Attended A&E dept with my husband who presented with palpitations, blood pressure 'pounding' in his head, clammy skin and a recent diagnosis of Long QTc. I am obviously aware of covid issues. However, it was 90 mins before he was triaged, and then another 4 1/2 hours before he was seen, and then was back in the waiting room. There did not appear to be any cardiac pathway or sepsis screening within the patient waiting area, and even the Reception desk does not really overlook the waiting area. Patients were completely alone, with no monitoring. My daughter and I were reluctant to leave my husband in these circumstances, especially as she is A.L.S. trained, and although it was distressing her to see him unwell, I knew she could jump on his chest if needed. After a shift change we were rather rudely ordered to leave by a nurse. I have worked in the NHS myself for many years, and have never spoken to people in this manner - particularly people who are clearly worried and concerned for loved ones. As we sat across the road in McDonald's we were terrified for his safety. If he went into cardiac arrest, or had a stroke, would anyone notice? Once seen, the staff themselves were lovely. Every test possible was done, and he was kept in for observation. His BP meds were given as they were due. My main concern is that, had he actually arrested, it would have been up to other patients to raise the alarm. It is fair to point out that later in the evening, temps and BPs were conducted on those waiting, but there was nothing between 4pm when we arrived, and around 9pm. I cannot begin to imagine the stress staff are under in an A&E during a pandemic, and I write this only because if nothing is said, nothing can change.