To share ways to make A&E more bareable

[silvershark22]

Given lots of people find the 12 hour plus waits in A&E tough wondering what things make it barable.

Mine is an oodie can vbe warn if in a draftie place or rolled into hood to make a pillow or sat on to make uncomfortable chairs better.

????

Of course there are people who genuinely need to be there. That's my point.

So why can't we have a thread about useful things to bring when we have to go?

Ive been to A&E three times over the last ten years or so, each time sent there by 111. One broken bone, one really nasty cat bite, one torn calf muscle. Unfortunately, when these things happen at weekends or evenings, A&E is the only option, and with such minor injuries you have to expect you’ll wait a LONG time and it would be mad not to grab a charger, book and bottle of water and pick up your handbag. Anyone who knows they might be admitted is surely going to know what they need to take (medication, spare underwear, toothbrush)

What I think people object to is treating it like some kind of outing - it’s not really supposed to be a fun, comfy place to hang out. And for most of us, visits are few and far between. Some people do genuinely like hospitals etc (possibly a different thing to health anxiety) and probably enjoy thinking about what to take to A&E 🤷‍♀️

It's not about treating it as a fun place to hang out FFS. It's about making the experience marginally less miserable

Also I don't see expectant mums be mocked for asking what to pack in a hospital bag and I don't see this as any different

Some of us know we (or our loved ones) have conditions that come with a side order of "life threatening" and consequently have to accept spending more time in a&e and hospitals that we would like.

Wanting to chat about how to take the edge off the misery is completely reasonable and it's a massive shame this thread has been invaded by people who think when anyone (other than them, presumably) goes to a&e it must be an overreaction

@Sussurations unless for example homeless, I honestly dont know how anyone could possibly see sitting on hard chairs through the night as fun! Anyone who choses to be there maybe is lacking social support or appropriate housing which i feel we should address.

There is a difference surely in wanting a jumper and pillow to ciming with a takeaway box of chocolates, popcorn and popup basket ball net.

It's not spose to be a day out.

I went to an ooh doctors appointment that bumped me to a &e then admitted for two days. I don’t think you always know. Luckily my car is a dumping ground so had a gym bag, phone charger type stuff.

We don’t have a minor injuries so you are waiting in a and e for suspected broken bones etc. I took DS last year as thought he’d fractured his wrist. Pack a bag, Nintendo switch, headphones, snacks, drinks, book. We struck it lucky and it was pretty quiet so we were in x rayed, splinted and back out in just over an hour. I’ve sat in there for 8 hours + with a similar injury on another child. Better to be prepared.

I honestly dont understand why this has become about my mental health or that I am a timewaister. I agree that hospital bags are seen as ok for pregnancy but some how trying to get tips to overcome trauma of a&e is a prob.

I would also add, if you have medical POA for anyone or they have it for you, make sure you know how to prove it. Plus have a list of medications you or they are on. I take photos with my phone of medical letters so I can show them if necessary.

You really can't be too prepared.

I don't understand it either. I'm not sure what people think happens when you need to go to A&E but there is always time to grab a few essentials, yourself or all someone else to get for you and you have a better time there if you do.

Medical emergencies aren't nearly as quick as they are on TV. There is a lot of waiting and being prepared is never wasted

Yes. I had very heavy bleeding and lost 2 pints of blood. I walked into A&E with a sodden bath sheet between my legs but I wasn’t in pain. I’d still have died if they hadn’t stopped the bleeding.

Similarly, someone could have had a stroke and their face might have dropped and they can’t lift their arm but they’re not in pain. There are all kinds of situations where serious conditions may not present with pain.

As an epileptic, I always have a "hospital bag" ready on standby in exactly the same way I always had a hospital bag ready on standby from 36 weeks pregnant. What's the difference between the two situations?

(I would actually rather scoop out my own eyes with a melon baller than go to A and E, and do stupid shit like relocate joints etc myself if it means I can avoid A and E especially if it's a weekend night). Still, as my epilepsy is uncontrolled I am, as a PP quite dismissively said, a "frequent flyer" so have to be prepared knowing hospital visits will happen in the same way I knew I would have a baby at some point!

In fact I have two hospital bags. My handbag which I always take with me if I'm out alone, containing water bottle/two days meds/wipes and clean underwear/battery charger and cable/ipad. So I have the basics if I'm admitted alone or unconscious etc. My hospital bag which I would take from home, or which DH would give to paramedics, contains 7 days of meds/basic toiletries/charger plug/underwear/grippy socks/sleep mask/couple of big shirts I could use as sleep shirts or as a shirt dress for discharge. I usually deliberately wear a long cardi day to day which could double up as a robe in hospital, or be folded for a cushion etc. I like to have minimal amount of stuff for hospital waits/admissions and I don't like visitors or people with me.

I also obviously wear a medical alert bracelet which has DH's contact number and in the "emergency screen" on my iPhone I have the details set up including DH's mobile, my NHS number/blood type. I also have this as my screen saver which has proved useful in the past. I think that was a MN tip originally funnily enough!

I fucking hate A and E. Our average wait time is 8-10 hours but obviously it varies so much eg if you're walking wounded or straight in to majors etc. Our local minor injuries closed for "optimal staff distribution" during Covid and has never re-opened

🤣

If you are taking kids to A&E, being well-prepared can be the difference between them being a pain in the arse to others and having a bearable time. Last time we were there, I'd taken plenty of paper, stickers and colouring pens and pencils and we shared them (and our snacks) with two little boys who had been kicking the shit out of the vending-machine. Their mum, who had her hands full with an extremely unwell and upset toddler, said apologetically that they'd been there for 3 hours already waiting for their younger sister to be seen.

Well having a frail elderly mum who was prone to falling, I always used to keep a hospital go bag in the car. Now my husband has complex and life limiting health needs, again the go bag has come into it's own for the inevitable A&E trips. Last week's experience was unfortunately typical - tests/scans etc were done promptly and he was supported by nursing staff in A&E triage at regular intervals, however the wait to be seen by a doctor was over 9 hours.

She sounds a bit shite as a medical professional if she can’t fathom anyone having had an accident which requires emergency attention yet who can still stand.

Thanks for sharing your snacks. Reminds meof being on a train and a toddler was running up the isle kicking the doors while mum tried to deal with a young baby found a couple of crayons and a hotwheels in depths of my bag and said child was happy and quet.

I wonder how many people whoare mocking this are the ones with something quite minor asking to use others phone chargers. @go

Plenty of situations where this can occur.

I went in once because I was pregnant and unable to pass any urine. 111 sent me to walk in and walk in sent me to A+E. I could have packed a bag as the pain wasn’t severe. They needed to do an immediate bladder scan and no where else except a+e could offer it.

A relative was sent to A+E as they were displaying symptoms of a stroke but we’re able to pack a bag. Turned out to be migraine. They were actually admitted for 10 days whilst they tried to figure out what was going on.

You don’t have to be a deaths door or totally incapacitated to have something serious going on.

Approx 22% of the UK population attends A&E each year.

High intensity users are generally defined as attending 5 or more times in one year.

I’d like to see the option to recline a chair and them have blankets available in you’re there overnight to get a bit of rest.

Also some proper food available (ours doesn’t even have a vending machine!!)

I and many relatives have been there 10+ hours on many occasions a few snacks is not enough

That's just not true.

I was with someone who'd taken a paracetamol for overdose. Antidote needs to be given in certain amount of time to work.

That didn't happen and we were there 10 hours.

Exactly, people laughing at this discussion probably don't live their lives with a medic alert bracelet permanently on, a handbag rattling with meds and an essay worth of ICE information on their phone.

I bloody hate A&E. Last time I went I tried to argue hard with my GP who wanted me to go, till he finally persuaded me it was essential

But if I have to be there I don't see why I shouldn't have a bag pre packed with things that will make it a little less bleak.

And when my toddler had a suspected broken leg the GP said to go home and pack a bag with bits for him and then go to A&E, so that's what we did. (I mean clearly we should have just gone to A&E but my ex was an arse like some of the people on here and convinced it would all wait till the next morning, so even getting him to agree to go to the GP was an effort)

If you have time - pack a little "grab bag" with -

A neck pillow
Usual meds and list of them
Baby wipes, change of knickers.
An eye mask is a brilliant piece of kit for brightly lit places at night.
The usual spare chargers and power bank
Earphones - wired so you can use one ear, and the other ear to hear your name called (eventually!).
Notebook and pen
Drinks, snacks to keep you going - if able to eat.

Sounds like a lot, but it's not that much really.

It would also be great if vending machines accepted cards, maybe they do now though. And if water coolers were provided, filled and with cups.

Hospital Bag Essentials
1. Personal Identification and Documentation:

• ID and Insurance Information: Bring a form of photo ID, insurance card, and any necessary medical documents.
• Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts and medical history, including allergies and current medications.

2. Comfort and Hygiene Items:

• Comfortable Clothing: Pack loose, comfortable clothes such as a robe, pajamas, or a nightgown. Consider a change of clothes for after discharge.
• Underwear and Socks: Include several pairs of underwear and socks.
• Toiletries: Bring travel-sized toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and any personal hygiene products you use daily.
• Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes: Useful for maintaining cleanliness.

3. Snacks and Beverages:

• Non-Perishable Snacks: Items like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit can be handy for a quick bite.
• Water Bottle: A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

4. Entertainment and Distraction:

• Books, Magazines, or E-Reader: For reading during wait times.
• Tablet or Smartphone: Loaded with games, books, movies, or music. Don’t forget headphones or earbuds.
• Puzzle Books: Crosswords, Sudoku, or other puzzles can help pass the time.

5. Comfort Items:

• Blanket or Shawl: A personal blanket or shawl can provide extra warmth and comfort.
• Travel Pillow: For additional neck support while sitting or lying down.
• Eye Mask and Earplugs: To help with sleep or relaxation in a busy hospital environment.
• Portable Charger/Power Bank: To keep your electronics charged.

6. Important Medications:

• Regular Medications: Pack any prescription medications you are currently taking, along with their original packaging.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Consider bringing common over-the-counter medications you might need, such as pain relievers or anti-nausea pills.

7. Medical Supplies and Special Needs:

• Personal Medical Devices: Include any personal medical devices you use, such as a CPAP machine or insulin pump.
• Special Dietary Needs: If you have dietary restrictions, consider packing non-perishable items that meet those needs.