To expect some privacy in A&E

[Mygosh]

Got sent to a&e with viral meningitis. It was like hell on earth, so much noise. One patient had 6 family members with him. Others talking like they haven't seen another person for months.

My head was pounding. AIBU to expect some privacy and not being told results in the waiting room in front of other people?

I really felt sorry for a young man on his own who was injected in front of everyone.

The doctor came out to tell me I had a brain infection and the whole room fell silent. They then offered me medication in front of everyone (about 60 people). I was told I'd have to sleep on a chair for the night. I took my medication and left and thankfully have improved lots over the last 3 days.

Something about this just seems so wrong. I understand the treatment rooms are full. But I was taken for a CT scan and there was a huge, empty, cool, quiet area. Why aren't they using these areas of the hospital instead?!!

It's awful. I had a similar experience where people's test results, diagnoses and treatment plans were broadcast to the waiting room (including my own). A sign of the times, it seems. It was only when I pretty much collapsed that I was moved off the plastic chair (where I'd been for 8 hours by that point) and onto a bed. I honestly don't know what the solution is, the system is broken. I hope you're recovering well, OP

Yes, it is terrible. I went to A&E a few months ago. I had to have a blood test and the phlebotomist was proposing to do it in the waiting area. I was pretty shocked.

I don’t think I’d like that. Where I am our ER (A&E) all have private exam rooms.

That doesn't sound right, yes you should have been told in private. It would have only taken a moment to beckon you around the corner. And sleep on a chair?? Thankfully you are OK now. Are they always this busy? I suppose they'd do that at my A&E if they became overrun.

I went to A&E recently and had to share a consulting cubicle with mother + little boy (it was way past his bedtime poor thing and he seemed in pain) and was asked some very personal questions when the nurse came around. I didn't mind too much but was embarrassed.