Is this usual practice at Doctor's surgery?

[Mumteedum]

I've just been for my first ever ECG.

It was with a male nurse and a male student nurse. When explaining what would happen, he asked if I had an underwire bra on and if so, I may have to remove it. As it was, they just stuck the stickers under my bra line.

I am really surprised that this happened. Basically laying back on the bed, with my top pulled up and two men with no warning or option to have a female present.

I was ok, but I might not have been. It's quite a vulnerable and intimate thing. Would have thought they'd be a bit more cautious and considerate.

I would probably have had a panic attack in this situation. I always ask for female doctor and nurse at my practice but absolutely hate hospitals because you get who you get. I have avoided and refused procedures for this reason. If you don’t understand why, just accept that you don’t understand why instead of ridiculing people.

You can ask at hospitals too.

They use 12 leads right down to the base of your leg/ top of your foot. It’s always best to go with clothes that give them very easy access and ones that don’t require too much removal.

I have just received an appointment for an echo, it states it may be a male or female technician performing the procedue.

My child was recently a pretend patient for paediatric students during their exams. One of the things that was absolutely hammered home to the students was to ask before touching the patients and to explain to them exactly what they would be doing before doing it. It seems like best practice all round considering what a vulnerable position everyone concerned is in.

I’ve had a few. You wear a gown and they see nothing of your body.

You literally put in your op that they explained what was going to happen and that you may or may not need to take your bra off. I fail to see what was so surprising and what else you would need a heads up for?

They explained the procedure and how they would place the sticky dots on your chest. They explained that you may need to remove your bra if it has underwire and yet you're surprised at what exactly? The fact that they are male? Men work in healthcare too. It's just as awkward for them as it is for you.

My last ECG at my GP's surgery was done by a temporary HCA, she asked me to pull my top up and undo my bra then she yanked it up to leave me exposed, lying on the bed facing the door to the corridor! I asked her to pull the curtain and she said It'll only be a minute. I pulled my top down as I felt like someone could just open the door and walk in. She was a really friendly person but I think she could benefit from some retraining.

Yeah they usually lock the door to stop this from happening

You can ask this at a hospital to. In an a&e situation they have loads of staff so will get a woman. In an outpatient appointment ring ahead of time it may delay your appointment slightly but you have every right to request a female only

Am i the only one who actually prefers male health care workers to do these things as they are usually significantly more aware and respectful then women are. Iv had it a couple of times where female health care workers have said where all women here as their pulling my gown off. Iv never had a male hcw do anything like that.

I think part of the feeling a bit odd/vulnerable was that there were two of them sticking at the same time. So one on each side of me. Me lying right back with them over me. It's just not very sensitive.

This is not AIBU, so I am not being unreasonable. My feelings are my feelings and valid thanks.

I haven't made a complaint. I am not saying men can't work in nursing. I am saying maybe there's room for improvement in practice and some sensitivity to women...some women's...feelings.

Don't know why people have to be so confrontational. @Sennelier1 This is the exact point. It was my first one. I had no idea what to expect. I don't know where the stickers are going to go until I turned up, had a very fast explanation and not really any chance to take it in. I certainly would not have felt comfortable with being entirely naked above my waist at all.

I have not said I thought they did anything untoward, as another poster is suggesting.

I was asking if this is normal practice because I was surprised. It seems it is normal, but some GPs clearly do leaflets before the appointment which would have been helpful. Why would it be obvious that stickers are put under breasts or breasts will be handled by the nurse, unless you are in healthcare or have had one before?

Yeah sure....if underwire interferes with the readings that is important information. It would be great to know this before you go for your first one. Bully for you for knowing to wear a camisole. I didn't know. That's what I mean by a heads up....info.... before I turn up.

The nurse talked so quickly I had to ask him to slow down and repeat. It felt rushed. I didn't have any time to process the information given.

Nobody needed to be so stroppy here. I am just asking questions and reflecting about my experience.

I'm so fed up with the internet and this sort of angry response to anything and everything. I used to find MN and much nicer space to talk and mull things over.

Yeah, that's not ok. Again, yes that nurse does this all day long but a patient's dignity should be respected. Their feelings are important.

I think your biggest problem is its such a basic common test that drs or nurses don't thinks to explain it in any great detail as I guess they assume most people will have had them before or will google it just like nobody explains a blood test or an xray. This isnt right and you should absolutely have things explained properly to you and they absolutely should of asked you if you wanted a female chaperone and not just assume you didn't just because you didn't ask. I think like in any job when your doing something a 100 times a week without issue. You do forget that this isnt everyone's normal and some people may not understand how it works. And I think hcp need to do better however also as a patient and an adult you also need to do better at speaking up for yourself and asking questions.

Thanks @alexalisten I think you're right.

I did my best and just got on with it. But I didn't know, for example, before it happened that the student nurse would be on one side and the other nurse on the other, each of them sticking things to my body at once. I think this is the student just learning, but it didn't feel great, with two men above me doing it.

It's one of those where speaking up just felt too awkward. Like it wasn't a massive deal but at the same time I went away and didn't feel great about it. It's hard to speak up when it's in the moment.

As I say, in twenty years I have never had a male nurse at the practice. I didn't know the ECG would involve being braless or moving boobs. I just didn't know.

I think she just looked at it as routine and me as patient no. 10 or whatever, not as a person. As pp said, she should lock the door, but I closed it when I entered and she didn't go near it. Anyone could have opened it, such as a patient accidentally getting the wrong room.
I wouldn't have been happy with your experience either by the way.

Did your letter not say this ? Mine did

to ask for a chaperone

You dont usually get a letter for gp surgery thats usually only if you have one at hospital

Ah. Mine was hospital

thi same for smear letter

it says if you want a chaperone to let them know

Many nurse specialists in urology perform rectal examinations for suspected male prostate cancer (yes iknow only men get prostate cancer)… are there any on here and do you offer a chaperone for this procedure a?

Afaik any patient can have a chaperone for any medical appointment

so if you want one @Gall10 then ask /book one

Well considering 1/3 of women have experienced sexual harassment or assault by men, the heads up for being put in a vunerable position alone with two men you don't know, in a location you're not familiar with, doing procedures you're not informed about!

I have ECGs regularly and I’d say yes this is pretty standard. Though I don’t wear underwire bras. I have had one male nurse do one in A&E and he was very respectful and it was done very discreetly.

I do think you have to be your own advocate though. People can’t assume what everyone’s comfort levels are. You have to ask about what’s going to happen and make decisions on what’s best for you.

That said, if you ever have to have an echocardiogram (which, despite the name, is not the same as an ECG), request a woman tech. It’s basically a boob ultrasound and a rough one at that, with a lot of re-positioning of boobs and lifting and pushing and ultrasound gel. I specifically requested a woman and had to re-schedule to get her, and I’m very glad I did.

Anyone can request a chaperone male or female and sometimes the dr even requests to have one in their to protect themselves from accusations. The reason I never ask for a chaperone is because somethings are embarrassing enough without an audience but thats my personal preference i can 100% understand why some people do want a chaperone.