
22/02/2025
My Hospital Experience in the UK 🇬🇧
So guys, like I always say, I will keep sharing my experiences in this country, both good and unpleasant ones, so you have an idea of what to expect and tips on how to navigate as a new immigrant.
Since coming to the UK, I’ve had to visit the emergency department multiple times.
First time was when I was just 2 months pregnant. I fell down the stairs at home and started bleeding 🩸. I couldn’t even feel any pregnancy symptoms again! I rushed myself to A&E, and thankfully, they attended to me almost immediately. After an ultrasound and some checks, they confirmed my baby was fine and sent me home.
Second time was at 7 months pregnant. A service user I was caring for suddenly hit me directly on my belly 😳. I blacked out immediately! Ambulance was called, my husband was called, my company coordinator came around, and I was rushed to A&E. They wasted no time and took me straight to the maternity ward for observation.
Third time was just 14 days postpartum. My C-section wound got infected, and the pain was unbearable 😫. Ambulance picked me up again, and I was quickly transferred to the maternity ward for treatment.
Now yesterday was my fourth visit, and omo! This one was DIFFERENT! 🤦🏽♀️
I had passed out at home, was in severe pain, shivering like crazy, yet feeling so hot at the same time. My husband rushed me to A&E, explaining everything to them. But guess what, they said “The waiting time is at least 2 hours” 😭😭😭. My husband even begged that I was in severe pain, but they said since I was still conscious and breathing, I had to wait till it was my turn! According to them they are giving priority to those with life threatening conditions.
Well, we had no choice than to wait, 2 hours turned into 4 whole hours!😩
Another surprising thing was that the doctor said my condition was due to a viral infection (flu). I asked for antibiotics, and they said NO, that antibiotics are only for bacterial infections and that I should just take paracetamol. I literally shouted Paracetamol again?? 😩 he said yes, and that I should take it and rest and within 1–7 days, I’d be fine.
But on a more serious note, Why is the wait so long in A&E? Are they understaffed? Is it because the NHS is free? 🤔 honestly, Whatever the reason, I think it is unfair for someone in pain to wait that long in an EMERGENCY department!
Today, a family friend told my husband that next time (God forbid 🙏🏽), we should first go to a walk-in centre. Apparently, once the walk in centre refer you to A&E, you get attended to faster. But if you go straight to A&E on your own and you’re still breathing, you will wait however long they say. 🤦🏽♀️
Anyway, my people, this is another side of the UK healthcare system you need to be aware of. My prayer is that you don’t fall sick, but if you do, try a walk-in centre first to reduce your waiting time.
For those coming here for school or any other reason, abeg, carry malaria medicine and antibiotics with you o! Because here, na so so paracetamol them go give you for almost everything! 😅
To my fellow UK people, Has anyone else experienced long A&E wait times? How long did it take before they attended to you? Also, for those in Nigeria, does this kind of delay happen in government hospitals too? I have always used private hospital in Nigeria and I have never waited this long to be seen by a doctor.
Let’s talk!