"I had to attend an outpatients..."

What I liked

I had to attend an outpatients appointment at KGH. Once I had booked in I was immediately seen by the nurse who checked my weight, height etc. He was very friendly and helped me to relax. Unfortunately I then had an hour and a quarter wait to be seen by the doctor, but the information board was kept updated with details regularly.

When I was seen the doctor took time to understand what was wrong and then, because she was unsure of the best way forwards asked a senior colleague to assist her. A course of action was then suggested and explained to me. When I agreed to it the appropriate papers (prescription, blood forms etc.) were speedily filled in and I was given the form to book my next appointment at the desk.

All in all the treatment I received was very good, and I was treated as an individual with my own needs and given appropriate individualised care. This is much better than the level of care I received when I needed hospital treatment abroad (France).

What could be improved

Waiting times....this has almost always been the biggest problem anytime I have been to hospital, but is not unique to the NHS. I waited for hours in a French A&E, and then had to pay for my treatment (just like a local would).

Anything else?

A big thank you to all the staff for their positive and friendly attitude and hard work in (obviously) overworked circumstances.