"Excellent alternative when your GP's receptionist..."

What I liked

I'd been off sick for a week in agony with some mystery bug but my GP's receptionist claimed it was just a virus and there'd be nothing they could do and besides the next appointment was 4 days away. They suggested I go to a walk-in centre so I headed into A&E.

I waited and saw a doctor who examined me, told me I had tonsillitis and gave me a prescription for some medication and off I went. I'm now on the mend and in less pain so I can't thank them enough.

It was generally clean and tidy and smelt fine. There was a mysterious and entertaining piece of litter in the middle of the floor but the cleaner did his rounds and swept it away.

What could be improved

The ladies on reception could do with a lesson or two in basic common courtesy and customer service training. A simple, smile, hello, please and thank you would suffice. I can imagine they do have to deal with some unpleasant people which may not warrant such niceties, but I'm sure it's not hard to figure out.

The wait time was about 2.5 - 3 hours. Far faster than the 4 days my GP was quoting but a long wait nevertheless. I could see and appreciate that more serious cases were being dealt with in priority so that was reassuring knowing that if I were more ill, I'd have been seen faster. Good job I bought a book with me.

The fact there is no longer a dispensary on-site is a bit frustrating, but I hear there's a new one planned soon.