I went to have a cut looked at, because I thought it was infected. They looked at the cut and agreed it was infected. They could have dressed it and given me antibiotics and sent me in my way. However, they thought it needed to be looked at by plastics at Cramlington Hospital. I asked if I could go to ambulatory care in the morning, but no, I had to go now. I arrived at A&E, and after 6 hours saw a plastics consultant. He agreed it was infected, gave me antibiotics, redressed the wound, and sent me on my way. At 4am! So if Rake Lane had given me antibiotics I could have been home by 10, getting much needed rest, as it is I wasted my time and that of the Nhs, and didnt get home until after 4.30am. The nurses were lovely at Rake Lane, but a bit too cautious on this, and many other occasions, instead of treating something simple sending me off to wait at Cramlington for hours. Turning Rake Lane into an appointment only urgent care centre was supposed to ease the pressure on Cramlington, not increase it. I just wish they could treat me, and not refer me on.

Just wanted to leave a thank you to the two nurses I saw today about my pain, I was extremely anxious and have access needs and the nurses completely understood and were extremely reassuring, but not at all dismissive and made me feel safe in their care. Thank you very very much to these two nurses you are so appreciated x