"The appointment was hurried and the intrusion made me uncomfortable"

It is departmental policy for the ultrasound examination to be undertaken with the patient and one other adult visitor allowed in the examination room. This is well documented on hospital and national literature which the patient receives prior to the appointment. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the ultrasonographer can concentrate on the examination. It is our practice to invite additional visitors and/or children into the examination room at the end of the scan for a brief look at the baby. As responsible employers we are also committed to our staff's health and wellbeing and regular breaks promote good concentration which is necessary for accurate ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound department is a busy place and, although we try to ensure patients' privacy and dignity wherever possible, it is occasionally necessary to interrupt an examination. We would only do this in the interest of patient care and then only in emergency situations. We apologise if you felt that there was an intrusion in your examination but this was likely to have been unavoidable. The member of staff that looked at your notes does so to ensure that you are seen by the correct doctor regarding your appointment. The notes are taken to the doctor so that they know who is the next lady to be seen. She as with all other healthcare staff is bound by confidentiality and we would like to reassure you that she was not reading your notes just to gain information that was not appropriate for your appointment.