"I had been advised to visit A&E ..."

What I liked

I had been advised to visit A&E for a tetanus shot after attending an NHS Walk-In Centre.

The medical staff (especially the medical students) showed great interest in my minor injury (snakebite), and were appreciative of my time not being wasted to wait for tests to show what was already apparent (that I was fine but wanted a precautionary shot).

I was treated as a capable, intelligent adult, with great respect, and common sense. It can be easy for medical staff to unintentionally patronise patients but this was absolutely not the case. I was dealt with speedily and enthusiastically and with good humour. I would like to pass on my thanks to the medical students who treated me, and their registrar who approved their suggestion of my rapid process and discharge.

What could be improved

The reception staff who initially booked me in did not present a very professional image, either in demeanour or dress, and did not seem to be able to answer fairly simple questions. This was fairly frustrating.

It did take me a while to work out where I should park my car; when driving oneself to A&E and therefore unable to use the drop off zone, in the stress of the situation it is easy to get confused. The threat of wheelclamping doesn't help with the stress levels either.

Anything else?

My last visit to West Mid was ten years ago, after transfer by ambulance. I spent six hours waiting on a trolley, looking at a very unattractive ceiling and feeling very much alone and bloody.

The improvement was marked.