"Reception staff, orthopaedics"

My Mum's pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care has been first class at Orsett. The Consultant and her staff who operated on my Mum were just brilliant. However, I think the overall out-patient experience would be improved by the Reception Staff. We visited there today , 19th January, and one of the Reception team totally ignored us on arrival, whilst she cleaned her hands with disinfectant. I realise that this is necessary but could she not speak to my Mum respectfully whilst doing this? Another patient arrived after Mum who received a similar cold response from the same Receptionist. He actually commented on her behaviour and suggested she try smiling! The Receptionist even commented upon this to her colleague once the patient had left thinking it was amusing. It is very sad when a Department is let down by the first person they meet on arrival i.e. Reception. Thanks again to the brilliant surgical team.