"Covid 19 precautions in OutPatient clinic"

This week I had  an urgent mammogram at Crosshouse. I have been self isolating for the past week because of a health conscious diction specified in the 'vulnerable' category. I was able to keep 2m away from people from the entrance to the X Ray Dept. The receptionist was very professional and friendly. Thank her for that. I stood away from the two women waiting and was listening to the latest from the First Minister and Scottish politician. A member of staff came to turn up the volume which was fine.However they went on to make a flippant comment which I found inappropriate. We know nothing about what's happening. This did not Instil confidence. As a member of NHS staff myself I was taken aback because we are sent an email Daily Digest and Newsflash. Also there was an open session on at the hospital that day. 

All else was fine. I would have liked reassured that the plastic basket was anti bac between patients. 

Today I went to Outpatient area 2 to see the surgeon. There were at least 20/30 people waiting all sitting in close proximity. The whole area was very quiet and people could have been split up. Chairs could have been removed to create distance. My partner and I waited down the short corridor at 2a area. The surgeon was very professional and clearly experienced. The student nurse was lovely. And they were all very respectful. My partner is a wheelchair user and plenty of space to accommodate that. Thank you.

Then we went off to X-ray again. 

This time there was a sign in the desk about Covid 19 and symptoms and the same lovely receptionist asked the relevant questions. There was a sign that said 'if you are self isolating....' to inform. I did that and they had NO idea what to do but did go to check, came back and asked us to sit amongst the busy waiting area!  

We were then offered a potentially infected laminated waiting number which we declined. We waited in the corridor.

The nurse who came  to fetch us was lovely. This nurse offered to push my partners wheelchair but since we saw them wipe their nose on their bare arm, we declined. 

Another blue plastic basket to navigate. Had it been cleaned since I was there the other day?

Consultant and the nurse were informative and supportive and I thank them. The bourse was painless yay!

Back to Waiting area 2 which was quieter but tried to maintain the requisite 2 metres with difficulty. 

Offered a phone call with results instead of a visit. Good call!  

Thanks where thanks are few. But shocking in the lack of precautions. I've been offered home working and I'm glad I dont have to go back into hospital  until after this crisis.

I hope you understand that I am not an anxious person. I am an NHS Staff member and am thinking maybe I shouldn't have retired so early!!