"Diversity"

I attended for a growth scan and antenatal appointment and was disappointed by a member of the teams lack of awareness. The scan had been booked and I was told I would need to see the consultant afterwards but I wasn't given a letter or appointment time to see the consultant or informed I would first be having a BP check and urinalysis. When I was called I assumed I was going to see the consultant so my wife got up and came with me. As we approached the staff member said it was just the patient who should be coming in and explained this was just for BP etc. which was of course not a problem.

The staff member then proceeded to ask if we were sisters to which I replied no this is my wife. I understand that it wasn't said with any ill intent but I'm sure they wouldn't say to a male and female attending are you brother and sister which shows a lack of awareness. If they had apologized and left it at that I would have shrugged it off but the staff member then went on to say we really looked alike and could be twins which I found entirely inappropriate. If this staff member saw a heterosexual couple both with brown hair and blue eyes would they also assume they were siblings and upon finding out they are a married go on to say they look related?

I could tell from the persons manner and tone they didn't mean to cause any upset but it did still upset me. It might seem trivial but when things like this happen it makes you feel like you have to validate your relationship. It's also a very odd thing for someone to say you look like you are related to the person you have married. I think some improved education on diversity and understanding the impact of situations like this would be beneficial.

Staff attitude

Explanations

Seeing the whole me