"Overheard conversation"

I attended the phlebotomy area (Mexborough Montague) this morning (22.10.18) arriving at approx. 0740, and awaiting my bloods being taken as the first "patient". Shortly after I arrived a man and woman arrived and then a single gentleman. I assumed the "couple" were similarly awaiting phlebotomy as they took a numbered card. As staff were arriving to prepare for their clinic I overheard loud conversation when a staff member said, "she had had a conversation with a colleague re a sample that was left on the trolley at the end of the day" & whilst the next comments were less clear, as they walked into the room it was mentioned (words to the effect of ) that she had said to be careful not to put "any" name on it as it could be the wrong person. Whilst I am mindful that this text is not verbatim it certainly gave the impression that a blood sample had not been labelled and therefore not allocated accordingly.

I am aware that there were others around potentially overhearing this conversation, and as a Clinical Effectiveness Lead, it certainly was not appropriate to be having the conversation in a public area and as a Nurse it made me concerned that process may not have been followed, potentially resulting in error or omission.

I am not in the habit of listening in, however the conversation was very vocal. I do have to say that it was more of one person telling the other about the "incident.

I hope you understand my bringing this to your attention. I would appreciate if you did not disclose my personal details to the team there as there is a possibility I may be returning for further blood tests.

You may contact me by email however.

May I also point out that your drop down box does not include the differing outpatient departments e.g Phlebotomy thus I have had to choose at random to enable the form to progress.