"Misinformation and poor treatment"

Recently I visited the Sydney Eye Hospital with what turned out to be a scratch on my eyeball. While registering, the reception asked me a lot of questions however, I believe they took no notes. When they noted that my spouse was congested, I felt I was then treated as though I had coronavirus. Despite having no symptoms and there being no symptoms in my children and no coronavirus symptoms with my spouse, I was asked to wear a mask and gloves.

Fair enough I thought, better to be cautious.

While waiting, I was called 4 times on my mobile by the nurse to clarify information that I felt should have been taken at reception.

Then 3 people who I believe arrived after me were seen first. When I enquired, I was told that they needed to suit up for me. That still didn't explain being passed over, why could they not do that first?

When the nurse came out, instead of asking me through like the others, they attempted to examine my eye from over 2 meters in the waiting room in front of everyone, one leg pointing at the door ready to flee. They then ushered me outside and asked me a few quick questions at 5 paces. I felt they treated me with fear like I was highly contagious. I felt embarrassed.

When the doctor finally saw me, all was fine but they said that reception insisted that I attend the COVID testing centre nearby. Fine, better to be cautious.

After waiting for 45min for the centre to open, it then opened 15min late. I was seen within a few minutes and asked for my symptoms. When I said I didn’t have any and hadn't been overseas, I explained my spouse's symptoms and the instructions from the hospital reception.

I was told that without symptoms or being overseas, I was not able to be tested and that reception should not have sent me.

I went back to let reception know the COVID testing rules so that others could avoid the same error. There was a long line that I didn’t have the time to wait in.

I left the site over 3 hours after I arrived feeling that if the reception had been trained adequately and taken notes, everyone would have had a better experience.

I hope you find this useful.