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"Feeling judged in Gynaecology"

About: Guy's Hospital / Gynaecology

(as the patient),

I recently had an appointment with a gynaecologist about my endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS, and she asked if I had any children. I said no, and she asked if I wanted them. I also said no. She asked me what made me come to that decision. It is not a decision, it is as much a decision as sexuality, height or hair colour. It just is, and always has been since I was a toddler and recall my first instincts on the subject (I am now 35). I then had a pre op assessment with a senior staff nurse who asked if I had children, and I said no, and she said, patronisingly, "Not yet..." Offended, I bit my tongue this time because I didn't want to argue, but I have been furious since.

In gynaecology, I know that this is a relevant question, but I do not expect to feel judged by the medical profession. Any judgment for any reason should be left at the door at the start of a shift.  It is imperative that I can go in to a consultation without having to brace myself for a barrage of patronisation and judgment.

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Responses

Response from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust 7 years ago
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 15/12/2016 at 16:23
Published on Care Opinion at 17:17


Thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent experience at the Gynaecology Department. We are sorry to hear that you felt judged by staff and that they question your decision not to have children. We take issues of staff attitude and behaviour seriously. We appreciate that this is a personal decision and should be respected. We will remind staff of the importance of respecting patients views and decisions about their life.

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