"Not impressed !"

After my appointment with a consultant I had to have a blood test. What an awful experience. I appreciate that staff are busy with lots of people waiting but that does not excuse a poor attitude.

Barely acknowledged, I explained that I always have difficulty giving blood. This comment was not responded to. No check for a suitable vein, just needle inserted and poked around.....a lot. Comment then “you weren’t wrong” and carried on just the same. Then not sure what happened but I had a terrible pain like an electric shock all down my arm which really made me jump which in turn startled the person taking the blood, who immediately withdrew the needle. A mumbled sorry, needle reinserted quickly an inch to the side again no check, again poked around finally hit a vein. By which point I was feeling quite sick and a bruise was already appearing at the second site. At no point did the person ask if I was ok, and I didn’t get a proper apology, when that person knew how uncomfortable I was.

I have to have blood tests on a regular basis, and have had lots over the years it has never bothered me and it has never been such an unpleasant experience as I encountered today. So much for patient care !