Attending an appointment within radiology dept. Wearing clean, new disposable gloves and new mask. Receptionist was kind and friendly. Waiting room chairs were well spaced out with lots of interesting positive information displayed on walls. Initially radiology assistant appeared friendly introducing herself and explaining what will happen during the scan.
Whilst preparing myself for scan, they informed me that I am spreading my germs by wearing my disposable gloves. I siad that I have to wear them as my hands are covered in sores & hacks and that my skin reacts in allergies to the sanitisers, (having already told her about my epi-pen in my bag) and that I had put the gloves on at the front door of the hospital then sanitised my gloves. They weren't happy with my response and kept going on about it. I reiterated why I had to and that I was now feeling very stressed about my appointment. I was told to wear cotton gloves.
They then asked if I have had a U scan before, but by now I couldn't think straight or quick enough to respond. I'm not medically trained. They informed me I had, then left me alone to get the radiologist. When they both returned, I was asked by the radiologist, in what I would describe as a defensive sharp tone, if I still wanted to have the scan. This made me think that the assistant had said I was a difficult patient. The atmosphere in the room could be cut with a knife, no chit chat, no friendly banter. This made me feel even more uneasy, more stressed and uncomfortably anxious throughout the scan.
It wasn't until the very end that the radiologist started to chat. The assistant is entitled to their opinion, however, there is nothing in the hospital letter or leaflet that states disposable gloves are not to be worn by out-patients. Perhaps I should have explained to the radiologist who had caused my stress and why. I wouldn't want any other person to experience the way this person spoke to me though. I know the NHS and staff are under a lot of stress but they don't need to aggravate their patients. It started off so well too...
"Disposable gloves"
About: Stracathro Hospital / Radiology Stracathro Hospital Radiology By Brechin DD9 7QA
Posted by BeetrootGrower (as ),
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