"Gynaecological assessment clinic"

Following an out of hours presentation I was asked to attend ward 7 for a gynaecology review. I was asked to take a seat in the waiting area of the assessment bay. Another lady patient arrived and I was then asked a few questions by the health care support worker. 

I was then seen by the FY2 doctor who immediately put me at ease with his introduction ‘hi I’m Neil the doctor what’s your name?

With a simple smile and introduction I immediately felt at ease. I cannot stress that although communication should be simple it’s how you communicate and make people feel is hugely important for any patient. He and the nurse Pamela supported me for some tests and an examination in room 31 and I returned to my bed area in the bay. 

Pamela kept me informed with Neil at every stage and made me feel at ease. Pamela even arranged for my prescription to be arranged in the hospital which was a huge relief 

I commend the care I received from Neil and Pamela 

A short while later another doctor arrived and initially made his assessment. He then came back to make his own examination in the bay with just curtains pulled round. I felt vulnerable as a male patient had just arrived in the bay and felt exposed. The doctor did come back with another nurse stating he should have taken me to room 31 instead of behind a curtain in a mixed bay. 

I really do think that more consideration should be taken for the provision of a mixed assessment bay of male and female patients for varying reasons. 

Certainly to make patients feel less vulnerable and exposed with the privacy of only a curtain.