"Lacked basic compassion"

I attended the walk in centre with moderate facial pain that I was finding it hard to cope with. It was not resolved with regular pain relief. In addition, I was experiencing severe nausea and sensitivity to light. I was admitted previously with severe sinusitis and this felt very much the same.

I was seen by a nurse within 45 minutes which I was happy with. However, I was disappointed by the lack of kindness I was treated with. I was examined and told to keep my eyes open, which I found difficult as the light was painful. I was told I felt too abruptly "open your eyes or it'll never get better, and stop screwing your face up". I then tried to discuss my underlying neurological condition as I wanted to make sure the symptoms were not due to that. I was told " there's no way I'm admitting you to hospital, it's not relevant". I tried to explain that that was not my desire.

My observations were taken, and thankfully they were normal, to which they responded "you don't have a temperature, that's interesting". This made me feel like I was putting it on and wasting time. They then said it was probably viral, but would give me antibiotics. When I questioned the necessity of this they said "well you've just told me you're struggling to cope and that's all I can give you".

I was disappointed that I was made to feel like I was wasting resources and wanted to be admitted to hospital, which was certainly not the case. I left feeling upset and that my problems had not been resolved. I would be reluctant to use this service again and believe that even those patients with 'minor' issues still deserve the same kindness and respect.