Juliet Caryl’s recent trip to A&E was nothing short of a nightmare. Taken by ambulance to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Juliet ended up lying on the floor for five gruelling hours, crying out in agony and repeatedly vomiting. Instead of receiving the urgent care she needed, she was ignored by staff who simply walked past her. “It was diabolical,” she remarks about her shocking experience.
Juliet, who suffers from diabetes and relies on insulin, was in severe pain and unable to sit in a wheelchair, forcing her to find what little relief she could lying on the hospital floor. Her desperate calls for help were only answered by fellow patients, who offered tissues and drinks. Despite the photoproof of a nurse walking past her, no apologies or immediate assistance were forthcoming.
Her friend, Samantha Sherwood, was with her through the ordeal. “There was no dignity,” she shared. Staff seemed too busy to care, while the waiting room filled up with people in pain and in need of help.
Finally, after 12.30pm, Juliet received attention and was diagnosed with a urinary infection. Although now recovering at home, she is left angry and disillusioned. “I’ve paid into the system my entire life, and there was no help. I could have been dying,” she said.
This isn’t an isolated case – latest figures show only a fraction of patients are being seen within the NHS target time at East Kent Hospitals. With winter pressures and an ongoing flu surge, many fear this situation will only worsen.
Hospital bosses have since apologised for this “distressing” experience. They’ve pledged to review Juliet’s case, acknowledging the intense pressure faced by emergency services. Juliet’s story is a stark reminder of the struggle our NHS is facing. What’s your take? Have you or someone you know experienced similar issues? Let’s talk in the comments below.