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"Demeaning and compromised my privacy"

About: Fife Community Services / Immunisation Service

(as the patient),

I went for a shingles vaccine today and I was met by a staff member who I found to be rude and hostile. I received the vaccine  as an immunity suppressed person.

I approached reception and the person on the reception desk asked my name, I said my name and they asked me to repeat it. I did and they then said I spoke too fast and asked me to spell it. I spelled it and again they said I spoke too fast. They then started spelling out my name very slowly and said hadn't heard the rest. I spelled it again, and was told I wasn't on the system. I started to look for my letter and was asked my date of birth. Again, said they hadn't heard me and I had to repeat it again slowly. Again couldn't find me.

I felt they were getting angry and I didn't know why. I said I had a letter and was rummaging in my bag. I was rattled and surprised by the unexpected hostility. I also didn't want to keep shouting out my personal details in a waiting area in front of strangers . By this time everyone was watching and I felt it was becoming kind of a performance. I moved to a chair and found the letter in my bag. I proffered it and was told sharply that they'd already found me and to take a seat.

I did that and another person came in behind me. The staff member greeted them politely and immediately took their details. They weren't asked to repeat themselves or for a letter.
I was a bit upset and embarrassed when I got to the vaccinating nurse who apologised and gave me a card for this website. 

I work in a school and I regularly take classes and make presentations to groups of young people and adults. I have no speech impediment. I believe that this staff member's behaviour was not only demeaning but compromised my privacy in the waiting area

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Responses

Response from Olivia Robertson, Senior Manager, Childrens Services Fife, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership 15 months ago
Olivia Robertson
Senior Manager, Childrens Services Fife,
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 26/01/2024 at 09:40
Published on Care Opinion at 09:40


picture of Olivia Robertson

Dear Fornaxgz54

firstly please accept my profound apologies for your negative experience of our care at the vaccine clinic. This is not the standard we uphold within Community Immunisation Services and if you would be keen to reach out to me directly please contact me on Olivia.robertson3@nhs.scot with your details and I shall contact you by return.

Once again I’d like to apologise on behalf of the service and look forward to hearing back from you

best wishes

Olivia

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