"I had an earache. The pharmacy ..."

What I liked

I had an earache. The pharmacy recommended I visit the casualty department. I arrived at around 12.30-35. Reception said they had been busy. At 1.20 I enquired whether it was the lunch break as it was so quiet.

Around 1.35, I was asked into the treatment area. I apologised if I had been rude (assertive?).

I was told that I should have rung the out of hours service-not told this at reception-and now they would have to take my full medical history before they looked at my ear. I think they must have got that the wrong way round. I said I would wait until Monday.

Seemed a waste of my time and staff time. I asked if there were any private doctors in the area, but no information was forthcoming.

Perhaps if the pharmacists were trusted more we could take the pressure off casualty depts.

What could be improved

Just be more proactive. Keep people informed.