Seats empty as patients stand

I attended the new Mosta health clinic for an appointment for a blood test at 7.30am. My turn at 8.15 meant a very reasonable wait.

The ushers would not let me into the reception room until my number was called up.

The small space before the entrance (just outside the elevator) could seat only nine persons with about 50 crammed in. I barged into the reception area where there were 36 brand new seats all unoccupied.

The ushers simply wanted to throw me out but, on my insistence, I remained there and had to bear their uncivil arguments. My point is: why were those 36 empty seats out of bounds during official hours?

By the way, I am an 84-year old with walking difficulties and, therefore, I expected better and more civilised treatment.