I accompanied my husband to an outpatients appointment. On passing through the main entrance a hospital employee, who was apparently checking that everyone attending the hospital was wearing a mask, asked if I was happy to wear a mask (my husband already had one on) I replied that it would cause me great distress (I have PTSD and depression and anxiety and panic attacks). The response was friendly and cordial and I proceeded, unmasked, to the outpatients' reception area.
Here was a different story. The receptionist told me that I must leave the building as I was not wearing a mask. My husband explained my problem with wearing one, I was asked to see my GP's letter confirming this and to see my exemption card. My husband (I was struggling to maintain steady breathing and remain calm and NOT have a panic attack by this time) told her what he had told the chap at the main entrance. The staff member laughed at the suggestion that the psychological issues I have would prevent me from wearing a mask then turned away to the computer, muttering and snorting with laughter.
I left the hospital shaking and in tears. I know I know, and I am trying, despite the dismissive and flippant responses will inevitably come to the minds of some reading this but, I should point out that there is NO requirement, in law, for anyone who is exempt from mask-wearing to provide ANY written evidence of this. The GOV.UK website advice states that people should not routinely be asked to provide written evidence, and that doing so is a choice and not necessary in law.
"Distress while wearing a mask"
About: West Cornwall Hospital (Penzance) West Cornwall Hospital (Penzance) Penzance TR18 2PF
Posted by vgreg5 (as ),
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