"Visit to Eye Accident and Emergency (Eye Casualty)"

Anything else?

I was sent by my GP to the hospital as an emergency case, so totally understood that I would probably have to wait a long time. Though anxious and in some discomfort I patiently waited for hours to see the Doctor. The reception staff and nurse that dealt with me were very helpful and friendly. I was so pleased when finally my name was called and I could see the doctor as I was very concerned about my problem. However - the Doctor had the most shockingly unpleasant attitude to me as a patient. He was gruff, dismissive, and showed no compassion or empathy for me as a human being. No smile, no friendliness on any level - you would think that HE had been the one kept waiting for hours in discomfort! I understand that Doctors are busy but it is no excuse for being gruff, harsh and unsympathetic to their patients. When we are ill we can feel very vulnerable and to be shown no empathy whatsoever and not even the most basic politeness can make us feel awful - especially after hours of waiting. We are human beings and should be treated as such - with respect and kindness - and would it kill the doctor to greet his patient in a friendly manner - even a smile would be appreciated! But none of this was forthcoming from this gruff, blunt doctor. He came across as very uncaring, and this made a distressing day more unpleasant than it needed to be. I know the NHS is under pressure but basic politeness and empathy costs nothing - it does however make a massive difference to the patient.