"Fell short of expectations"

I am writing this due to the disgusting treatment I received whilst getting an ultrasound at the new Victoria ACH. As a healthcare professional myself, I know the standard of care the NHS expect of their employees and this fell way short. Also due to me being in healthcare, I agonized over leaving this review but I want lessons to be learned so that no one ever has to suffer the same horrific experience.

There was no welcome, warm or otherwise. I was instructed to lie on the bed, which I did, then a HCSW put some white roll over the band of my trousers and pulled them down from my waist to my hips, as well as under my top, with absolutely no explanation of what was was being done or why. This is shocking to say the least, invasive and undignified.

The staff member doing my scan then proceeded to squirt the gel directly all over my abdomen with no prior warning, no ‘this may be a little cold’, no explanation. Then, started prodding at me with the probe, again with no explanation.

They barely spoke to me unless to bark instructions at me to roll over, breathe in, put my arms behind my head etc all the while I was lying there absolutely sobbing to the point my face mask was soaking wet with tears. Not once was I asked if I was ok, to reassure me, offer me a tissue or stop and ask if I would like a break. Just kept at me with the probe, silently.

In the interest of fairness, I would like to note that the HCSW was less awful in that they did come to the bedside after 5 minutes of me crying, to ask if I was ok. Of course I wasn’t and managed to say that it was extremely sore but of course they never acted on this.

I had to ask for a tissue on the way out, as again, nothing was offered to me. At the very least, the offer of a seat to compose myself would have been welcome but instead, they let me walk out the room in the same sobbing state.

I would never treat a patient in this manner. I expected the actual procedure to be painful but never did I imagine the treatment I would receive from those who are supposed to be caring professionals. The whole attitude exuded from both the HCSW and the person doing the scan, was that of ‘going through the motions’ forgetting that I was a vulnerable person in a lot of pain. I am appalled, disheartened and deeply saddened at my mistreatment. Please do better!