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"Lack of privacy"

About: New Stobhill Hospital / Xray and Scans

(as a service user),

I was called for an outpatient appointment' imaging department Stobhill. As usual the staff were welcoming and helpful. The covid precautions put in place required that I stand some distance from the receptionist who was behind a Perspex screen and as a result we had to speak very loudly to each other to communicate.

There were a number of people in the reception area, and I was asked to give my personal details to the receptionist in order for her to confirm who I was etc. I realised that I was being asked to communicate in a loud voice my person details; (name, address, DOB), the same information my bank and a number of other data sensitive organisations ask for to confirm my identity. There was no privacy or discretion, and I was acutely conscious of the fact that I am repeatedly told to be conscious of where and to whom I give this very same information. Yet here I am being asked to shout it aloud in public where I definitely do have an audience. After my name and address I declined and offered the lady the letter I had been instructed to bring with me. She advised me she was not allowed to touch the letter. 

I must stress at this point, no one had been impolite or out of hand and I realised the lady was doing as she was asked to keep herself and others safe.

My issue is this. I understand why the information is being asked for but a) where is the respect (or manners) for my situation asking me to publicly broadcast my personal details. b) Why ask me in writing to bring the same information with me if I can't use it in any way to overcome this very situation.

All the staff were very courteous and efficient and as a result it all passed without any fuss, but I felt embarrassed and distressed at having to deal with the situation. It did leave me wondering, would it have been better had I not attended this appointment. 

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Responses

Response from Heather Richardson, Interim General Manager, Emergency & Acute Medicine, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 2 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Heather Richardson
Interim General Manager, Emergency & Acute Medicine,
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Submitted on 17/05/2021 at 13:05
Published on Care Opinion at 14:31


Dear Daithi,

Thank you for sharing your experience here on Care Opinion.

I am sorry to read that you felt embarrassed and distressed on visiting our department, please accept our apologies, As you can imagine COVID has been a challenging time for both staff and patients however our aim is always to make everyone feel secure but also make them feel comfortable when they enter our department.

I wanted to thank you bringing this to our attention and as a result we will look at our reception areas to make sure that they are both safe and welcoming. I have also asked the team to review the letters to reflect your need as well as the reception teams across Glasgow.

Kind Regards

Heather Richardson

Clinical Service Manager

Diagnostic Imaging

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