Firstly I'll note I've been attending the Garden Clinic at Upton Hospital since the age of 19. Over the past 10 years I've become more and more dissatisfied with the service but I attend because I need to get my contraception.
I understand that the walk-in's can be extremely busy but I recently came for a walk-in clinic; leaving work early and paying taxi fare to attend in time only to be met with a sign that said no more walk-in patients would be seen. I find it utterly ridiculous that you run a service that you can't handle. Granted there are going to be days when you are short-staffed but you should have a daily update to your website so people do not find themselves out of pocket and having wasted time.
I am also dissatisfied with the manner in which patients are questioned/spoken to. Again I understand that certain questions need to be answered for staff to ascertain the correct information but I feel that they aren't always appropriately formatted. Like asking specifically if a partner is from Africa or the Carribean, I have been asked this a NUMBER of times over the years. This can be taken as incredibly offensive. When asked if I want a sexual health check up; despite filling in the initial form as just wanting repeat prescription of contraception, I am spoken down to or my judgement questioned when I decline. I am a grown woman with capacity and do not need to be treated as though I am somehow unable to make such a decision because I state I am in a long-term relationship and trust my partner.
Even during a previous visit, when finding a sexual health check up uncomfortable I've had a nurse tell me "You're sexually active, you should be used to this". It's completely inappropriate.
I think the staff could certainly do with some more training on their 'bedside manner' and communication.
"Garden Clinic.."
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