"disappointing"

I arrived at about 6.15pm and the receptionist was helpful and informative. She took my details and assured me that although the waiting time was 3 hours a nurse would assess me and I'd see a doctor if necessary.

I sat and waited, and waited. A woman emerged every so often calling people to see the triage nurse. Although 72 my hearing is still good and I heard all the names but I didn't hear my name called.

At 8.15pm I was very tired and so went to the desk to say perhaps I'd better see my GP since the wait was so long. The receptionist said that my name had been called twice to see the nurse and I hadn't responded so I'd lost my place! I left the centre and will try and seek help for a nasty eye infection at the GP's or the chemists tomorrow.

It might be helpful if the woman calling names came right out among the patients and spoke clearly and loudly. Although I could see her and was near enough to hear names called she had a quiet voice and tended to mumble and I noticed several people checking what she'd said.