A and E triage times

[ReefBeneath]

Realise this is about how long is a piece of string but I have a suspected fractured spine (I’ve seen two doctors).

I know I need to go to A and E as advised but does anyone know how this will be triaged on the system? I’m freaking out a lot but also know I need to sort my head out and take myself in.

dont understand your question, sorry, but you need to go asap

In our A and E the booking in list is checked by a nurse and triaged in of risk. Like a triage of the triage.

Timings vary based on hospitals and some days will be unexpectedly busier or quieter than others.

If you feel anxious make take a book, favourite blanket or hoodie something to try and cocoon yourself in.

Sorry I meant in the triage system will it be a green / urgent care area or will I be in the main bit?

I do realise I need to go in and will just figure out what to take in as well

I don't think they have any sort of priority anymore, whatever the injury. It used to be that you'd be triaged pretty quickly to determine the order of priority to see a doctor but when I took my husband in with a head injury recently (he fell and hit his head on a brick step, and there was a lot of blood) it was 2 hours before he was seen by triage. I had to hold bandaging on that I'd brought myself to stop the bleeding. It was only because I made a big fuss about it that they saw him but we saw someone get seen with a sprained thumb before he was seen.

Earphones, a book, kindle, phone, charger, water bottle

Good luck

Have you been given an x-ray form, and/or referred to the trauma & orthopaedic team by either by the doctors you've consulted with?

No - just need to go to an and e as they usually don’t require surgery so no one they can refer to here unless it was an ambulance to take me in.

My ex recently fell and fractured two vertebrae hit his head too and gave himself a very nasty concussion ( bruising on brain) Waited about 3-4 hours in A and E for x-ray / ct scan. Lots of painkillers/ physio as discs were out. Managed to work them back in over several sessions. Referred on for MRI scan/ consultant appointment.

He found moving really painful, If you can take someone with you and some cushions, get a wheelchair and wedge yourself in to minimise movement. I genuinely think it’d be ok in this scenario to call an ambulance as you’d be taken in on a trolley and able to rest.

Who have you seen? 2 doctors? Who? GP?
I broke my back a year ago. Gp sent me for x Ray, then scan, then MSK referral, then for an mri. Showed 2 new fractures, 2 old fractures. They were dismissive, said it can take up to a year to heal, that nothing can be done, and to keep taking pain killers. Eventually I got a Physio referral. I was also referred to osteoporosis clinic and had a bone density scan and a review of my HRT. How old are you?

Surely A&E isn't the best place for you. What are you hoping that A&E will do, that a Gp referral can't?