"Breast Screening Service"

I have recently returned from the Mobile Screening Unit in Hamilton and felt I should share the experience with you to allow staff to reflect.

I am a health care professional and someone who has had Mammograms previously both on a fixed site and in the mobile unit so was not unprepared however, I have left today feeling processed like a lump of meat.

The radiographer on reception was polite and welcoming at the reception window - thank you. (Three others were sat behind her chatting - nothing wrong with this but worth noting that they clearly did not seem overly busy)

A different radiographer left the reception booth (mug in hand) and met me inside the unit. No introductions or pleasantries were exchanged. I was purely instructed to go into a booth remove my bra and put my top back on. I had to ask them to repeat instructions as I did not quite catch the instruction as they spoke very quietly. (All other booths were empty and both mammography rooms were empty as doors were both open).

On opening the screens another radiographer called from within the mammography room nearest me, telling me to 'just come in'. Again no introduction or pleasantries. I was asked if I had a mammogram previously and on response asked when and when had I had surgery for lumpectomy. I was then 'processed' at speed whilst being issued with rapid fire instructions (left/right/forward etc) and positioned/re-positioned as necessary.

On completion I was advised I could redress and whilst in the middle of doing so I was handed a card telling me they would contact me in approx three weeks with the results.

I returned to the changing booth and undressed and re-dressed and left without any goodbye.

Whole experience lasted 15 minutes.

I absolutely understand clinic scheduling and capacity issues however feel the radiographers forgot something today... they are female so may or may not have had to endure the embarrassment of standing naked from the waste up in-front of a complete stranger. Its not nice and it was made worse by lack of any obvious understanding, compassion and empathy - please ask them to think about this.

I knew what to expect, others might not - please ask them to reflect if they have ever had a moment where they were apprehensive and what made a difference to them.

Today they caused 'HARM' not physical but psychological which is equally impactful. Such harm may stop others from returning when next called. I most likely will just endure for the good of my own health.

I hope they reflect on today and endeavor to show more compassion to those who come after me. I ask no more than this.