Hospital Floor Ordeal: Woman Left in Pain for Hours

A 61-year-old woman, Juliet Caryl, has detailed a distressing experience at William Harvey Hospital's A&E department, alleging she was left unattended on the floor for over five hours while in severe pain and vomiting. Ms. Caryl, who is diabetic and insulin-dependent, described the treatment as "appalling" and "diabolical," emphasizing the lack of dignity and care she received.

The incident occurred on December 12th, when Ms. Caryl was admitted via ambulance early Friday morning. She reported that staff repeatedly walked past her without assessing her condition or offering basic necessities like pain relief, food, or drink. Her friend, Samantha Sherwood, corroborated the account, noting that other patients offered assistance before hospital staff did.

This event underscores the intense pressure on East Kent Hospitals, which includes William Harvey and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital. Statistics reveal that only 57.9% of patients were seen within four hours at these facilities, far below the NHS target. The trust acknowledged Ms. Caryl's distressing experience and stated that patients are prioritized based on clinical need, encouraging her to contact their Patient Advice and Liaison Service for review.