"Eye Casulty Department"

Telephoned this Department on the advice of my local surgery and opticians only to be mocked and belittled during the entire conversation by a very rude receptionist. I was advised that my 5 year old son waking up with sudden pain in his eye, double vision, and cross eye was not classed as an emergency. Accused in not so many words of lying as how do I know my son had double vision - because he told me and I could visibly see him struggling with everyday tasks. She then told me that her and the consultants were laughing because I was basically ridiculous thinking this was an emergency situation as I am not a Doctor. Is this not the reason why we have hospitals to seek help and advice? A call from a nurse to determine whether this was an emergency or not? An issue certainly not to be determined by a receptionist nor made light of. This could have been a serious condition. She also said I was not entitled to use the unit because I don’t live in Southampton? An irrelevant fact. Particularly given that my son has all his treatment for his glasses at the general. Bournemouth Emergency Eye Department were kind, considerate and happy to see my son in what they said was unquestionably an emergency situation. I am still traumatised by my whole experience today!