As i've said before Danny my take on this is that we have to be the one's
who specify the limits otherwise they will be specified for us and what we
don't want will first happen on an occasional basis and then become the
norm.
I'm lucky inasmuch as I've never had A&E trolleys in corridors wheras 3
trolleys in another Department soon become 5 etc. etc. - keep it at zero and
life's much easier.
Therefore in my place walking wounded cubicles stay walking wounded so if
all else fails they can still be processed; finite number of trolley spaces
& nurses mean no extra - if extra come in that same number go out - even if
it means taking a 'well' patient out of a ward bed and sitting them out in
day room whilst Mr/mrs unwell have the bed. If you don't define your lines
they'll get defined for you - and that may include trolleys in your office /
home / car ...................... It takes constant hard firefighting work
- but it's worth it.
Nick Jenkins
A&E Consultant
Abergavenny
http://www.ae-nevillhall.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: Danny McGeehan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 February 2003 19:28
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Stack em up in A&E
Colleagues
Our minor side is now frequently becoming a medical ward. When I was first
appointed consultant over 14 years ago it ran very efficiently and we could
zip through the walking wounded. Bums never sat sat very long on seats
usual thing. No need for Trick and treat. During the last 18 months the
whole thing has gone pear shaped. Due to excessive demand we now routinely
cramp beds into the cubicles and the whole system becomes log jammed with
Ambulances waiting to decamp their patients.
Next month we are going to be assessed viz the 4 hour targets. I suspect we
will pass with over 90% compliance as the powers that be will cram even more
beds into the unit, including my office.
Seriously though have the list got any solutions?
Danny Mcgeehan
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