"The staff deserve a round of applause for their professionalism and skill"

After a week in isolation and without medical assistance, I finally accepted that my virus seemed to be changing into a chest infection which was only going to get worse. Unable to even speak to my GP surgery, I decided to get a taxi to our local walk-in centre to seek help.

I had heard negative stories about the service before, but I had a top class experience.  The notice as you entered was quite specific: 4 hour wait. On seeing how absolutely packed out it was that seemed more than reasonable.  I was greeted by a friendly security officer who directed me to where I needed to register to be seen.  I was asked to put on a face mask and given registration documentation. 

Within 5 minutes of arriving, I settled down to wait. I managed to secure a seat in the more out of the way waiting area.  I could see everything from my vantage point.  The service was overrun.  There was a seating shortage and numerous kids running around.  It was noisy, busy and productive.  Amongst all the chaos there was a core group of staff who handled the situations arising impeccably. I noticed certain later arrivals being triaged before me, but could see that their condition warranted this.  Others were not so understanding and continually barraged the staff members with requests to be seen sooner.  Every one of them had good reason as to why they should have been seen immediately - as did we all :) The staff deserve a round of applause for their professionalism and skill.   

I was triaged very efficiently 1 hour after arriving and felt confident I hadn't wasted my time.  My next interaction was with the medic - a lovely young GP trainee.  I forget her name but not her manner!

The trainee was super competent and had me assessed and prescribed within minutes.  She was very warm and welcoming, efficient and understanding. I had built up a lot of anxiety during my week at home feeling ill which was allayed and dismissed skillfully.

My stay was exactly 3hrs 45 mins!

Thank you to all the wonderful staff on duty. You really smashed it!