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I was questioned about my exemption card

Posted By Davpy99

"I was questioned about my exemption card"

About: Braid Valley Hospital and Ballymena Health and Care Centre / Outpatients

(as a service user),

I arrived this morning after getting an urgent appointment from the opticians, due to problems with Glaucoma testing. Upon my arrival, I was met by a, nurse, standing at the end of the corridor, who questioned me about my exemption card from wearing a face mask. I was informed I must wear one or a face shield. I explained I did not need to as I had shown, they then said they will need to speak to the consultant. Shortly afterwards, two more nurses arrived with the first one and one began to question me, saying I must wear a mask, have I had my vaccines, did I bring proof of having them, what exactly was my reason for not wearing a mask?

I explained, that at the opticians, where I got my test done, I was told I did not require to wear one, not only to the fact, it would be almost impossible to carry out the test with one on, but because I was exempt, as I clearly showed. I tried to explain, I would need to leave before wearing one.   I also explained my reasons of not wishing to wear a mask, to which one of the staff passed a rude comment, sniggered, then walked away. I have never been treated like this in hospital before, and I've been in almost 25 times in the last year due to family illness. I was left with no choice, but to walk away, and now potentially risk any further damage to my eyes, not knowing what to do. I've paid into the system all my life and feel, especially by this one nurse, I've been treated very badly. I've been asked questions, which under the government's own site, was not allowed. Not happy at all!

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Responses

Response from Leigh Morgan, Engagement Manager, Involvement Team, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 3 years ago
Leigh Morgan
Engagement Manager, Involvement Team,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 01/10/2021 at 11:42
Published on Care Opinion at 11:42

picture of Leigh Morgan

Dear Davpy99,

My name is Leigh and I am the Patient Experience Facilitator in the Trust. Thank you for taking the time to feedback about your recent visit to Ballymena Health and Care Centre Outpatients Department. I am sorry to hear that it wasn’t a positive experience.

Due to the current surge we are facing within the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to adapt and put the necessary procedures in place to minimise the potential spread of Covid-19 in order to protect our patients and our staff. In line with this guidance, all patients are met by a member of staff on entry to the Department and asked if they have any symptoms of Covid-19, or if they have been in contact with anyone who has had symptoms or been confirmed as having Covid. Each person entering the Outpatient department is provided with a fluid shield mask if they do not already have one, to ensure safety for all within the Department including other patients and staff. We appreciate that some patients may have a valid medical exemption for not wearing a mask.

For close contact procedures, we will ask our patients to wear a fluid shield mask for a short period of time whilst their procedure is carried out. Again this is to protect both patients and staff from the potential spread of Covid-19.

Whilst I appreciate that you feel you have been treated badly, I can assure you that this was not the intention of staff. Over the past 18 months, staff have been working hard to protect their patients and each other by following current guidance set out in Public Health advice.

I’m sorry to read that you left the Department without attending your appointment, and I recognise that this will cause you anxiety about your eyesight.

If you would like to discuss this with me further, please contact me by email Leigh.Morgan@northerntrust.hscni.net

Thank you again for taking the time to feed back to us.

Best Wishes,

Leigh

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