Diabetic Woman’s Nine-Hour A&E Ordeal: No Food or Insulin Provided
In a concerning incident, Bethany Frost, a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, experienced a lengthy and frustrating wait at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department without receiving vital food or insulin. Amidst a hyperglycaemic episode, Bethany suffered a fall down the stairs, dislocating her elbow. She promptly rushed to the Hull A&E department, arriving at approximately 11:30 pm. Unfortunately, she did not receive medical attention until 8:30 am the following day, enduring an exhausting nine-hour wait.
Bethany expressed her dismay over the lack of provisions during her time at the A&E department. She claims she was neither offered any food nor provided with insulin during her stay. Considering her dire need for these essentials, Bethany found it perplexing that the department had no access to insulin, raising questions about the efficiency of the hospital’s administration.
The hyperglycaemic episode left me feeling extremely unwell; my stomach and head were throbbing, and I experienced intense shivering. I needed insulin, Bethany explained. After waiting for four hours, I asked a staff member for some insulin, but I was told that the pharmacy was closed. How can a hospital not have access to insulin? Moreover, there was no food available, and all the vending machines were broken. The only option offered was water from the fountain. I felt utterly worn out for days afterward.
Eventually, Bethany was informed that she had a hairline fracture. Unfortunately, there was little that could be done, except for pain management through the provision of painkillers. However, even these were not administered during her prolonged waiting period. Bethany firmly believes that the lack of accountability exhibited by the A&E staff placed her at risk that night, declaring, I could have died.
Bethany was also taken aback by the bustling atmosphere in the A&E department that night, observing others who appeared to be in distress waiting for extended periods. It was peculiarly busy for a non-weekend night, she commented. A family of three had been waiting since 6 am and didn’t leave until 7 am the next day. Additionally, an elderly woman in her 80s or 90s endured significant pain for an extended period.
In light of her harrowing experience, Bethany reached out to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). However, she has been unable to speak with anyone from the service to relay her concerns. Bethany is also planning to contact her consultant to address the issues she faced.
Responding to the incident, the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust revealed that no complaint had been received thus far. Nonetheless, they expressed their willingness to engage in a discussion with Bethany regarding her distressing encounter.
The trust spokesperson stated, We would be pleased to discuss Ms. Frost’s experience with her in more detail. However, our PALS team has not received any contact from her, so we encourage her to get in touch. Emphasizing their commitment to patient care, the spokesperson explained that patients visiting the Emergency Department have their immediate medical needs assessed and are attended to based on clinical priority. While the trust has been actively working to improve its performance against the four-hour standard, surges in demand for emergency care, particularly in their role as a major trauma center, can impact waiting times.
The trust also highlighted that patients in the walk-in emergency area are regularly reminded through announcements to inform staff if they require food or drink for medical reasons. For patients arriving via emergency ambulance, existing medical conditions like diabetes are considered during initial assessments, and the team responds accordingly. To address medication needs beyond working hours, the trust operates an out-of-hours emergency advice and supply service.
It is hoped that Bethany’s case will prompt a thorough review of the A&E department’s protocols and resources, enabling a more efficient and compassionate delivery of care in the future.
