"Overall good, one significant oversight"

I accompanied my elderly mother to the surgical outpatients department earlier today. The reception staff were helpfull and friendly, as was the nursing assistant who called us through to the consulting room. We were called through with only a ten minute wait. The Consultant introduced himself and his manner was business like but polite. The nurse did not stay in the room with us after we had been ushered through, and so when the Consultant asked to examine my mother she had to ask " Shall I get on the couch?" The curtain was not pulled around and there were no sheets or covers for us to use whilst she removed clothes. She was very embarrassed and I struggled a bit getting her up from a lying flat position as the doctor walked off. I know the nurses are busy preparing the notes and calling patients through but I do think it is also important to look after patients and ensure their dignity is maintained. I do not want to criticize the Doctor or the Nurse as individually they were satisfactory, but they did not work together - I think the situation would have been even worse if my Dad had gone with her instead of me.