Pensioner’s nine hours in A&E with broken wrist

An Ashford pensioner was left waiting in A&E for nine hours after fracturing his wrist.

Tony Blunt, 63, from Kennington, visited the William Harvey Hospital’s emergency department last Thursday night after he fell over in the garden.

Mr Blunt arrived at the hospital around 10.15pm and waited in the minor injuries area for more than five hours before he was even checked on by a nurse.

He said: “No-one came to check on me or take my blood pressure.

“They only took me to X-ray because I asked for one. I knew my wrist was fractured.

“There were two of us sitting in the waiting room and not a single person came to check if we were alright or take our blood pressures – they just left us there.”

Mr Blunt, a retired NHS microbiologist, finally returned to his home in Copperfield Close at 7.45am the following morning – more than nine hours after he arrived at the A&E unit.

His wife Jenny, a former care assistant, said: “No-one came to check on him and I was surprised no other check-ups were done. Tony Blunt attended William Harvey Hospital at 10.15pm and returned home at 7.45am

“They didn’t take his blood pressure or temperature and didn’t even ask for his medical history. I just don’t feel its an acceptable level of care.”

Doctors confirmed Mr Blunt does have a broken wrist and asked him to return to the fracture clinic on Friday, January 13.

Chief nurse and director of quality, Sally Smith, said: “The evening of December 29 was exceptionally busy for the A&E department of the William Harvey Hospital, and we apologise to Mr Blunt for the time it took before he was attended to and discharged.

“Those with urgent or lifethreatening condition are treated immediately, but patients with less urgent conditions may have to wait longer, particularly during busy periods.

“We are sorry for any delay that Mr Blunt experienced.”

William Harvey spokesman Steve James added: “Our A&E departments are exceptionally busy.

“We are asking people to use health services appropriately and reserve A&E for emergencies and life-threatening conditions.

“If it’s not an emergency, you can get the advice and treatment you need from your local pharmacist, GP or a minor injuries unit.

“You can also call NHS 111 if you need fast medical advice.”

‘They only took me to X-ray because I asked for one. I knew my wrist was fractured’

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk