"Accident & Urgent Care - disappointed"

I had a painful abscess which needed antibiotics.

I would have gone to my GP but it was the weekend, so went to Whipps to see a GP at their walk in centre.

On arrival I was allocated as 'minor' not GP and assumed this must be correct.

I was first seen after 3.5 hours.

The initial nurse said I could have been seen by the GP (the GP appointments seemed to be seen in around 20-30 minutes).

Then waited another 40 minutes to be seen by an ENP who was very helpful, and who also said they had queried why I was allocated as 'minor' rather than GP.

Then waited another 90 mins to be seen by surgical (who I appreciate are very busy), only to have antibiotics prescribed to me after 6 hours of waiting.

This was all I wanted in the first place.

I appreciate the systems were down, but the paper system seemed to be working fine, so it's difficult to blame the cyber attack.

I felt bad about using A&E resources for something minor, but which still needed treatment - which is why I thought the GP walk in was the best option.

Instead, I saw 4 healthcare professionals/doctors and used up all of their time.

It just seems inefficient.