"Mixed experience"

My GP obtained an urgent appointment for me at the 'walk in eye casualty service' Department. When I arrived the receptionist said "I didn't have an appointment" despite the referral letter from my GP showing I did have an appointment! I insisted I did have an appointment (anxiety levels sky high by now) and was asked to take a seat in the waiting area. Returned to reception, after no further response, to be asked to "take a seat". Eventually, another receptionist came over to say "I had been booked in" (anxiety levels reducing).

From that point on the service was efficient. Nurse took my details and checked my vision. She didn't know how to use the eye pressure machine and asked a colleague for advice - not reassuring.

The doctor invited me in for the definitive eye examination. He didn't introduce himself and came across as aloof but did a thorough exam of my eyes. Very little explanation of my problem but suggested I didn't need any treatment and offered a contact number if I needed it.

Not the greatest experience and relieved to have it over and done with.

As a retired NHS Consultant, I would say: Reception needs improving, nurse needs training and doctor needs social skills training. Otherwise ok.