Emergency centre tells patients to wait in car

Published on Thursday 3 September 2009 20:21

OFFICIALS at an emergency care centre have been telling people to wait in their cars because of lack of space and the risk of spreading swine flu, it has emerged.

One couple who arrived with their ill baby at the urgent care centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, were kept waiting in their vehicle for more than an hour for a doctor to become available.

Managers at the centre said the arrangement met hospital trust policy and national guidance on dealing with suspected swine flu cases.

But Janis Usakovs and his wife Lelde said they felt badly treated after being told to wait in their car with their 13-month-old son, Gustavs, who had a high temperature and was feeling lethargic.

The couple called a doctor and were told to take their son to the centre for an appointment at about 6:30pm on Sunday.

Mr Usakovs, 26, said: "We arrived at about 6:25pm and were asked if we had a car.

"(We were] then asked whether we could wait there, because they were so busy and didn't have space for us inside. We saw two other couples with babies waiting in their cars.

"I asked how long it will take for us to see a doctor, and the man said he did not know and that they were very busy.

"Mr Usakovs said they eventually saw a doctor at 8pm.

Officials said it was an exceptionally busy bank holiday weekend and health services were working to limit the risk of spreading swine flu.