"A & E visit 12/09/18"

I had cause to visit A&E with an issue that was very concerning. As I was working away from home I thought I should attend as it was late evening and it was a borderline symptom between GP and A&E. As it is almost impossible to get a next day appointment over the phone with my GP I had to go to A&E

I had never visited Liverpool before, let alone Aintree Hospital.

On arrival I parked outside in the short stay car park. I didn't have any change (the trip was hardly planned!) so couldn't buy a ticket, so I just parked and hoped.

The receptionist staff ignored me on arrival - all 4 of them. They all saw me stood in front of them but none chose to even acknowledge me stood there. First impressions matter, this was awful. Staff who are paid to receive sick and injured people should be far more accommodating. Just a few words, even 'hello, we will be with you in a minute'. Eventually I had my details taken and was told to take a seat. No explanation of what happens next, likely waiting time or anything to give reassurance. Easy things to do, opportunities missed.

I spent a total of 4 hours being assessed and treated by the professional nurses and Doctor. Again, it would have been nice to have been told what happens next but other than that the service was excellent. The Doctor was quite simply the best I have ever been assessed and treated by. Absolutely superb.

I left in the early hours of the morning, generally happy.

Car Parking - Good

General Environment - A bit tatty and neglected. Maybe the receptionists could run a broom round now and again?

Reception - Technically ok but service could hardly have been worse. In my 4 hours waiting I noticed a lot of tea drinking and chatting

Nurses - Very good but maybe work a bit on reassurance and 'what next'

Doctor - Superb

As a tax payer (and I pay a lot!) I am more than happy to give the professionals everything they earn, they do a tough job well. The other staff need to raise their game as their job is only basic but they are failing even in that.