"Outpatients Needs An Overhaul!"

The consultant I saw was excellent but the wait to see them was marred by a hot, airless waiting room where the reception staff preferred to chat among themselves rather than attend to patients' needs. I went to ask which consultant I was supposed to be seeing and the receptionist was chatting to the security guard at the time. Or rather, being chatted up. I gave the standard apologetic smile and asked my question while the guard flicked me a look to make it clear they considered my interruption a total intrusion. In the event, it was fruitless as they couldn't tell me who I was supposed to be seeing and said that I'd have to ask a nurse. Unfortunately, there were none to be seen. I then watched as other patients queued for information while the same receptionist chatted to another, colleague rather than attend to them. I think a little more sense that patients actually matter and more staff to deliver information would be a vast improvement. Another water fountain would also help keep those waiting healthily hydrated!