How do I know?
I spent 3 hours there waiting to be admitted to their emergency department and then another 14 hours with an intravenous cannula in my arm waiting to be seen by a doctor. There was no bed for me, I was allocated a stretcher in a large open space with about 15 Sicilians on stretchers and beds.
I spent 3 hours there waiting to be admitted to their emergency department and then another 14 hours with an intravenous cannula in my arm waiting to be seen by a doctor. There was no bed for me, I was allocated a stretcher in a large open space with about 15 Sicilians on stretchers and beds.
It was difficult for them to register me because their computer programme did not accept British as a nationality.
I knew that I had (recurrent) erysipelas and all I needed was antibiotics.
The place was in a constant state of bedlam. The nurses shouted at patients and patients shouted at nurses.
There was only one doctor for the whole emergency department. When he had to walk past patients he would keep his head in the air. They would call to him, but he did not respond.
There was only one doctor for the whole emergency department. When he had to walk past patients he would keep his head in the air. They would call to him, but he did not respond.
There was no bedding, only a sheet of paper for the stretcher. I had an extra roll that allowed me to change the paper when it got torn or too crumpled.
There was no food or potable water. At the front of the building there was a vending machine for cola and other fizzy drinks.
The one toilet had no toilet paper. I asked a nurse for toilet paper and he gave me some surgical cloths.
The other patients ignored me. Not in a hostile way, more not wanting to bother me.
The other patients ignored me. Not in a hostile way, more not wanting to bother me.
On the other hand, all the patients had family at their bedside who looked after them.
They brought food and water, helped them to the toilet (they had their own toilet paper), and helped them wash. Some had even brought their own bed linen.
Most important of all they were there to comfort their ill family (or friends): talking, smiling and sometimes stroking and hugging.
They brought food and water, helped them to the toilet (they had their own toilet paper), and helped them wash. Some had even brought their own bed linen.
Most important of all they were there to comfort their ill family (or friends): talking, smiling and sometimes stroking and hugging.
I remember one older woman with little hair who was coughing a lot. Every now and then she was sick.
A middle-aged man sat close to the head end of her bed. He read from a book for her.
Those poor people, rich with family.
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