"Absolutely disgusting- worst experience of NHS"

I was referred for an emergency eye appointment by an out of hours GP I had visited the night before. I arrived at 1.30pm for a 2pm appointment. I was finally able to see a doctor at 5.30pm. The doctor I saw was fantastic. However, the nursing staff were terrible. Despite the fantastic medical treatment I eventually received, I do not think it was worth the experience I was forced to endure whilst waiting. I would absolutely not recommend the emergency eye clinic to anyone (particularly elderly relatives). If you have no other option but to seek treatment here, I would strongly recommend taking a family member or friend with you as it can be a highly distressing environment.

I visited alone, after 2 hours of waiting I was in pain and visibly distressed. The nurses ignored me. I asked to see the doctor as soon as possible due to the increase in pain. This request was also ignored. I was the last person in the waiting room to see a doctor. I hope that the nurses delaying my treatment was not a response to my complaint, but I cannot be sure.

My experience at St James's Emergency Eye Clinic has made me reluctant to use the NHS again, particularly for eye treatment. I have submitted full complaints to both the hospital and via the NHS central complaints procedure.