"Being put at risk whilst attending an appointment"

I had a mental health appointment which I attended on time, checked in with reception, and found a seat an acceptable social distance away from others. As I am scheduled for major surgery in 5 weeks, I wear a mask at all times because coming in contact with a covid positive person within 7 weeks prior to surgery could delay it. I have already waited more than a year so I am acutely aware of keeping my distance. I don’t remember seeing any posted advice about wearing a mask and keeping social distance in the office area. The receptionist was not wearing a mask but there is a large glass screen that fully separates them from the public.

I was kept waiting for more than 25 minutes  which is not unusual, but in this case, totally avoidable and completely unnecessary; unknown to me, the receptionist had not informed the consultant I was there. 

While waiting, I had to move seat 3 times to keep a safe distance from others who came in and sat too close to me, all of whom were not wearing masks.

The 2nd time I moved to the only open place, a cluster of three chairs arranged in an L shape. I took the one furthest away. Five or so minutes later two people came in together, and although there were other empty seats by then, one chose a seat in the L cluster, which left an empty seat between us. It wasn’t quite the recommended distance we’ve all come to know so well but still far enough I felt safe-ish. They also did not wear masks.

A few minutes later another person came in, and although there was other seating available, chose the empty chair between me and the other person. They were close enough to have bumped me as they sat down and likely would have if I hadn’t pulled away. They were also not wearing a mask.

As I got up to move they said ‘it’s alright, it’s fine’. I replied that it wasn’t and as I moved away, (3rd time), they made out I was being silly. I went to open seating on the other side of the room, away from the three, but couldn’t avoid their conversation about how they’d never had covid, weren’t a danger and other comments obviously intended for me. It was disrespectful and upsetting.

After more waiting, the consultant finally appeared and called me to follow him. He was wearing a mask, so there is clearly still a reason to do so. 

As we got to his room, he informed me the receptionist had not told him I was there.

The room itself was very stuffy and the smell of cologne or perfume was quite strong, even through my mask, meaning ventilation was basically nonexistent.

After we spoke for a time he left the room for a few moments and I asked for the door to be left open to let some fresher air in.

All in all it was an anxious, stress inducing experience I should never have had to go through. From the beginning, I feel it was totally unacceptable in these post pandemic times.

The receptionist did not do her job causing me to be unnecessarily exposed to others, the people coming and going did not wear masks, some were not mindful of safe distance practices and the consultant room was stuffy and poorly ventilated, if at all.

I will raise a complaint if I can find who to speak to. None of us should be put at risk whilst attending health appointments, and I feel I was.