I am NOT condoning your treatment at the hospital you went to Harry, but I must say that in my experience of ED's, an hour is not an uncommon time to have to wait.....I have several times waited that long and more to get things happening when I've visited the ED in the past.
I think you have been given some very good advice here - you know that you need to get your problems addressed, so it means taking a deep breath and getting yourself back in to a hospital.
You will have to be prepared for a lengthy wait - if ED's in the States are anything like they are in NZ, which I'm sure is true, the Christmas/New Year period is absolutely one of their busiest times of the year, they are totally run off their feet...
Do you have 24 hour private Accident and Emergency Clinics in your area - not exactly a hospital but a place where people can go to get assessed, and if necessary, transferred quickly to a hospital for admission? In the larger cities in NZ we have these clinics, and if you are seen at them, your admission to hospital (if necessary) will be expedited a lot more quickly and smoothly.
I hope you get this sorted out Harry - is there anyone who could go with you to the hospital to advocate for you? A support person is a "rock" at times like this.
Good luck
Bridgette