"I left feeling like there was something to be ashamed about"

Attended for a combined gynaecology and colorectal appointment, upon arrival I was told the colorectal doctor was not able to attend. It would have been nice to have been told this, particularly as I had been called to enquire if I could attend earlier which I was happy to accommodate.

Upon commencing the appointment I was met with a dermatologist in place of the colorectal doctor (still unsure why a dermatologist was standing in).

However the dermatologist and the accompanying nurse was lovely.

I was getting a very invasive examination to which a student, 2x doctors and a nurse were present, I am aware that students need to learn but 4 in a room was hard, particularly when the gynaecologist was saying - can you see that there? I would have liked to have been asked if a student could be present and also preferred the learning discussion to take place after I left.

While getting dressed again, behind the curtain I was met with whispers from the student and the nurse and again from both doctors, leaving me feeling demoralised and embarrassed. 

I left feeling like there was something to be ashamed about and that there was something I was not being told.

The student then left the room and sat outside with a few other nurses, when I left the room the nurse asked If I was ok, I was left wondering if the student had continued their whispering. 

Overall both doctors and nurse were lovely but students should be introducing themselves. Without the lovely dermatologist reassuring me and staying beside me during it, I would have felt completely demoralised. 

While I am aware that these procedures are never dignified, it could have been made a lot easier and the whispering just made it 10x worse.