To have found my first mammogram really upsetting?

Yet they are chastised for not being smiley, not talking, not asking for consent when their priority is making clear images that can be clinically interpreted under time constraints. It is so baffling.

Well you're easily baffled. Clearly don't work in healthcare or know anything about informed consent, which should be obtained before any medical procedure, especially when it involves grabbing a woman's breasts, otherwise you could be looking an assault complaint. I would have though medical professionals would be more than aware of this. Sexual assaults in hospitals is rife.
Sorry you had to go though that OP, I would absolutely be putting in a complaint, that HCP needs to learn some bedside manners and have some training in gaining informed consent.

Try what?

Show complete disregard for patients and then try and be clever when you are told you are wrong, instead of realising that people have reasons for concerns? Is this what I should be trying?

. If you don't understand that reading the invitation letter, taking up the invite without coersion and with free will for a medical procedure that anyone can read about, implies consent then I really cannot help you.

Do you not realise how similar this is to every rapist’s defence? It goes like this “ She must have known what was going to happen there, she read my texts, she texted back, she came over willingly, this implies her consent”.

So no, I don’t want your help, rhetorical or otherwise.

And I hope you are not a HCP.,

Rhetorical statement, try it sometime.

Why would I want help from you?

I am saying that your comparison of it being purely about consent when referring to a medical procedure vs a violation is simplistic and therefore reductive. I am not saying that I want to complicate it. If you don't understand that reading the invitation letter, taking up the invite without coersion and with free will for a medical procedure that anyone can read about, implies consent then I really cannot help you.

I find breast imaging people are always quite detached, matter of fact and robotic. I suspect it's because they aren't allowed to give anything away and if they are too friendly, people might be more likely to ask if things looked okay. Only once have I had a friendly one for a breast ultrasound when younger and she did tell me that things looked okay after the scan.

Why would you want to complicate it?

Consent is simple, you are either informed what’s going to happen and you agree or you’re not.

The only people who want it complicated are the ones who want to abuse someone. Abuse comes in many forms. If there isn’t a clear policy of informing and consenting patients for simple procedures then this sets the scene for potential abuse.

it’s really not that difficult to understand, unless some has an different agenda.

It is 'about consent' if you apply a very simplistic and dumbed down approach, yes.

Oh wow. I cant believe that's your take on this?

Totally ridiculous to compare a medical procedure used to screen and identify potential disease to a violation of one's body in the context of an assault. You really need to get a grip.

It’s a screening procedure, not a
lifesaving one.

And it about consent, so yes, there are similarities.

And the comparison to rape is relevant even though the two things are on different levels. Comparing them isn’t saying one is as bad as the other, it’s just pointing out something they have in common. “You consented because you agreed to turn up/entered the room” is used as a defence of rape and is inaccurate in both cases.

I really don’t agree that attending means you consent to whatever they might do, especially if it’s your first time and you’re not sure what it involves or how it will feel.

I find smears extremely difficult and have occasionally been unable to go through with it - I was able to say I’m sorry I just can’t and rebook. I do regret wasting an appointment and always really try but it’s not true that I have pre-consented by walking in.

Of course HCPs don’t literally say “do you consent?” at every single step but they explain and say what they’re about to do so you can ask questions or say if you’re uncomfortable.

Remember that a significant proportion of women have been sexually abused or assaulted, and having their boobs grabbed may be difficult. I have every sympathy with overworked NHS staff but as PPs have said it doesn’t take any more time to be chatty and respectful as they do a mammogram- surely it makes their job easier to have an informed, co-operative/communicative patient.

Only on MN would a lifesaving procedure be compared to a rape.
This is all very OTT.

I've had many mammograms (and recently cancer) and usually the practitioner will say something like....I'm just going to manoeuvre you in to position. I can't remember ever having my permission asked and would have thought it odd. A bit of idle chit chat puts me at my ease and that was obviously missing for the OP but cramped conditions and a scary machine are par for the course with the NHS.

Totally agree. Lets get things into perspective. I am sorry but walking into that room on the understanding that a mammogram will take place is of course implying that you are giving consent to the procedure. If you did not consent you would not show up for the appointment. These people are performing such important tasks every day in sometimes cramped conditions. Yet they are chastised for not being smiley, not talking, not asking for consent when their priority is making clear images that can be clinically interpreted under time constraints. It is so baffling.

You sound so over the top it is ridiculous. I cannot take anyone seriously who contemplates the potential for them to be treated like 'dog shit' at a medical appointment. Please do grow up and stop using such childish analogies.

However busy or harassed an HCP is, a smile and a little verbal dialogue whilst treating you is surely the benchmark?

Revolting and inaccurate analogy.

"And actually, being there, is consent to have the procedure done."

That sounds familiar.

Same thing is often said to women who try to report rape.

"You willingly went into the room/on a date, so whatever happens afterwards is fair game".

Your attitude and perspective is appalling.

no, just get a sense of perspective. Someone was rude to you while offering an amazing service to detect a deadly disease while it is still early enough to be treated.

And actually, being there, is consent to have the procedure done.

And if you get breast cancer, I assure you, the procedures done to you will be many, and a lot more intrusive than this!

What puts me off is all the rude PPs telling her to suck it up, princess. That makes me feel like I could get treated like absolute dogshit at a medical appointment and no one would think it was unreasonable.

And some of these PPs are medical professionals? God no, I don't want to be at their mercy!

Ah yes.

Be a good woman, grateful for what you can get and shut up.

Seriously???

We are allowed to appreciate the NHS and also have feelings around the way we are treated.
The only way that things change are by speaking up and a situation like this is not okay.

Medical professionals should ask and talk you through what is going on, unless in a dire emergency (but I've found that most still do it then).

Being touched without consent in a non emergency medical setting is triggering for all sorts of people for a variety of reasons.

Overall there is implied consent that you're there... BUT in the moment, during an intimate procedure when folk may be feeling vulnerable? Of course they should be doing this!