"I found the clinical staff very ..."

What I liked

I found the clinical staff very helpful fitting my new hearing aid and the subsequent follow up at Horsham

What could be improved

My wife and I were shocked by the working conditions that the clerical and clinical staff have to work in at Crawley. They need to be improved.

It was like entering an overcrowded cupboard filled with files. The reception desk was enclosed, not very welcoming.

The approach to the consulting room was tortuous and uneven floors( not good for elderly) and I understand they cannot open windows in the summer due to nearby extractor flues.

At Horsham hospital conditions were much better. They were cleaner, more open, much like you would expect and hope for at a NHS building, more like our doctors surgery in Billingshurst.

I know there are plans to improve Crawley, but there is no excuse for the cramped, poorly decorated, scruffy conditions and we felt for the staff concerned.

Anything else?

The receptionist was not that welcoming at first both on the phone and in person when I was sent incorrect appointment details by the clerical staff. However her manner was warmer on my way out after the fitting of the aid.

I know it is sometimes difficult to communicate with the hard of hearing and/or elderly, and it is not an easy job,in poor working conditions, but I think she might have been more sympathetic and some training might be useful.