"terrible"

What I liked

not much

What could be improved

the attitude of the staff member checking people into A and E was dreadful, their customer service skills were shocking (no hello, no smile, rude, curt manner) and they were wearing a hoodie! Surely an NHS receptionist should at least be told to wear a shirt.

The nurse whom I seen in the reception was equally as unfriendly. When I explained I had asthma and was struggling to breathe they didn't utter a word, simply thrust a card in my face and pointed back to reception. They asked no questions about my condition.

When I was eventually seen by a doctor they completey dismissed my case, simply wrote out a prescription for an inhaler. When I asked if they were going to listen to my chest (which I thought was essential when assessing asthma!) they rudely said, "you look fine to me". However, they grudgingly listened to my chest, told me I may have a virul infection and that it would "probably go away by itself".

Next, back to the nurse to collect the prescription - again the same unsmiling person. When I handed them the prescription they snapped "go and get a token!". Having never been in the hospital before I was unaware of this procedure and had to ask for clarifiction.

I realise that the NHS is under financial strain, however, decent manners cost nothing. Having recently moved down to the area from Scotland, I am shocked about the state of the English/London NHS - I certainly did not experience the service I am used to north of the border. Perhaps the staff of West Middlesex A and E should remember that it is the taxpayers that pay their wages. And perhaps a few courses in customer service would make a world of difference. When one is ill, one does not expect to be treated rudely.