I HAD the misfortune to have to go to the accident and emergency department at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, last week with my 12-year-old son who had sustained an eye injury.

On arrival we went to the reception desk where we waited. There was no-one in the department apart from the two women sitting behind the desk.

My son's condition deteriorated as we stood waiting for these women to look up from the desk and acknowledge our presence.

Eventually my son realised he was about to be sick so I interrupted them to find out where the toilets were. On our return to the desk, the two women still ignored our presence.

My son was completely white and shaking, his eye was swollen and bloodshot and he clearly looked in distress.

Again I interrupted their chat, much to their disgust, and eventually was booked in.

Never once did they smile, ask if my son was alright, or offer any sign of concern.

I can honestly say I have never been treated so badly in my life.

Queen Mary's Hospital is not a bad place. The treatment received from the medical staff was excellent but to get to that treatment you have to suffer the ignorance of the reception staff.

It costs nothing to be polite and friendly to patients, especially when you are the first point of contact at the hospital.

Nobody attends A&E unless they are very unwell.

Maybe it is time for the Queen Mary's reception staff to be sent on a course on how to deal with the public and how to be sympathetic.

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