"Humiliating experience "

Was directed to come in via an NHS 111 clinician to get checked out with something hopefully minor. Easy sign in and initial check with nurse.

Then after a wait I was shown into a ‘plaster room’ sat down and instantly told there was nothing wrong. No exam, no real questions about what was wrong, just “There’s nothing wrong with you.” Said to come back if anything gets worse, but that they didn’t expect it was anything (obviously I hope that’s true, but the fact they didn’t even try to give a once-over isn’t that reassuring). The conversation was also in a storage room rather than a proper exam room - someone else wandered in during, so I was made to feel horrible in front of both of them.

I’ve had issues with health anxiety in the past (had CBT and not had an issue through the whole pandemic) so I’m used to being told there’s nothing to worry about, but this took it to another level. There are kinder ways to talk to someone than two-minute conversations that make them feel like a fool. I was told to go get checked by 111. I’d have been happier staying at home but I followed instructions, and if I hadn’t I know my anxiety would have had me panicking.

I more than understand the pressures on the NHS at the moment, but I ended up in tears outside the hospital. Yes, I can be an anxious mess, but I certainly do not want or try to be a nuisance, which was how I was made to feel. Sadly, my anxiety does not listen to reason. That does not mean I deserve to be condescended to.

Hopefully mine is a one-off experience, but it’ll definitely make me wary of visiting if I have a real issue.