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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Horrible experience at local walk in. AIBU?

44 replies

ValiantVelvet · 09/12/2015 11:20

I've had a heavy cold for the past week. It's just started to shift (which is nice!) Last night at work I started getting signs of a water infection (I'm prone to them) so called into the walk in on my way home.

Anyway, went through to see the nurse prescriber and didn't get chance to say anything before she started to berate me about not being able to do anything for a cold, and that I shouldn't have come.

I explained that I wasn't there about the cold, but about a water infection. (You'd think the fact I walked in clutching a pot of pee would have told her it wasn't about the cold!) Anyway, she huffed a bit more about not treating colds before she actually checked for a water infection.

I left feeling rather upset. AIBU?

OP posts:
FreeWorker1 · 09/12/2015 14:43

HCPs are human beings. Therefore some of them are rubbish at their job and some are rude. Just like in every other job.

I am well educated (degree level biochemistry and PhD level statistics) so when they try and fob me off I can terrify them with questions they don't get from an ordinary patient. They back off then. I feel sorry for people that are ill, frightened, not articulate. HCPs really know who they can ignore safely and know they will not get pulled up.

The level of care you get is really very dependent on how much power you have over them. some doctors and nurses have a god complex.

That said, I have had fabulous care by many people in the NHS and I always keep at the forefront of my mind they may have a had a long and dreadful day and that politeness and friendliness from me without wasting their time is something that might make their day just a bit nicer.

LaContessaDiPlump · 09/12/2015 14:54

I don't think the smear incident could be dignified with the term 'revenge', didyouwritethe - we all do things in a more rushed/resentful fashion when we don't see the point of them, I think, and it's not entirely a conscious choice. I think she didn't realise that she'd been rather quick and efficient until I got off the bed looking a bit shell-shocked.....

ClancyMoped · 09/12/2015 15:24

YANBU but I'm not sure it's quite in the 'horrible' camp. However, I'd be pissed off with her and I would mention it to the clinic. It's unprofessional to be 'outwardly' crabby in her job.

I'd write a short note explaining what happened.

EponasWildDaughter · 09/12/2015 15:24

I'd complain OP. An email stating what happened, and the time, if you don't know her name.

She wont lose her job over it, but she should be pulled up on it. There was no need for that. She'd obviously seen you coughing and sniffing in the waiting room and was waiting for the chance to bite your head off!

Dipankrispaneven · 09/12/2015 15:30

I don't go to my GP unless I know what is wrong with me.

Seriously? There are conditions that not even experienced specialists can diagnose with any certainty. There are also several conditions where the symptoms are more or less the same and further investigations are essential before diagnosis. Would you not go to the GP if you had one of those?

didyouwritethe · 09/12/2015 15:40

I'm still gobsmacked that so many think this behaviour by HCPs is acceptable. Really?

"We all do things..." - well, yes, but most of us don't have the opportunity to physically harm customers if they get up our noses at work.

ricketytickety · 09/12/2015 15:52

My family are all HCPs and even they have come up against arsey nurses/docs/consultants. Only thing to do is let the clinic know so they can give her some training. Treatment should be patient led, and not asking even what someone is there for and then having a go is ineffective at best and unkind. She will prob have a few complaints against her already. She might be a nightmare to manage or work with. They could well be happy to receive another complaint so they can sort her out. Or she could be stressed and need some support.

schrodcat · 09/12/2015 16:25

Hmm. As someone said, HCPs are human beings too and have their off days. Personally, I wouldn't complain as I wouldn't want any referrals to be "accidentally" left on photocopiers / blood test results "lost" etc. I am always ever so 'umble to doctors and especially ingratiating with receptionists. Although hang on, it was a walk-in clinic, so you probably won't be going back - in which case, complain away.

shouldnthavesaid · 09/12/2015 16:30

If it's any consolation I got booted out of our walk in last night - they said a urine infection is to be treated by a GP only and not for out of hours triaging. This despite the fact I feel like a horse has stood on my back and I am struggling to bend down or stand straight.

didyouwritethe · 09/12/2015 18:09

I agree with schrodcat that generally it's a bloody terrible idea to complain in any way about any HCP because then you will really feel their wrath.

Hatethis22 · 09/12/2015 18:12

At uni I was told off by a GP because she'd written too many sick notes for law students that week.

Dowser · 09/12/2015 18:21

I'm horrified at that attitude people are getting from HCP.

I always go in pleasant and friendly but with an attitude like that my hackles would rise and I'd be saying.

Who gave you permission to speak to me like that because I certainly didn't. Shall we start again or shall I go outside and wait to see someone else who hopefully will treat me with more respect.

I can't bear rudeness.

Dowser · 09/12/2015 18:25

Oh yes and I always complain.

didyouwritethe · 09/12/2015 18:36

Still alive, eh, Dowser?

Dowser · 09/12/2015 18:37

Only just. Spent last two days in my sick bed but thanks for asking ;-)

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 09/12/2015 18:49

I refuse to go to our local walk in centre. DH has been a couple of times, first time when he was on statins and was in so much pain he could hardly walk. I took him to the walk in centre as he couldn't get an appointment with his GP and the doctor asked him what made him think he was bad enough to go to a walk in centre rather than wait to see his own GP. Sadly I hadn't gone in with him...

Second time the snotty cow of a receptionist was rude asked what we expected her to do when he was told to go there urgently for a blood thinning injection when he was diagnosed with DVT after a long haul flight. She then told us not to bother wasting anyone's time going to A & E as they couldn't do anything. I was there for that one and told her in no uncertain terms what I thought and complained in writing about her attitude. We got a half hearted apology as apparently she only spoke to DH like that as she was worried about him!

They seem to be ok if you need stitches but can't cope with anything else.

vcrees6 · 09/12/2015 19:06

Complain about her and post a bad review on the relevant NHS website.

I don't agree that it is 'normal' to have rude people at all workplaces. If anyone at my company was rude to individuals who pay their salaries - it would warrant disciplinary action.

I found NHS care very dismissive when I was pregnant so I went private. Not surprised we have one of the highest stillborn rates in the developed world with that attitude.

Boomingmarvellous · 09/12/2015 19:09

Not U at all. Very unprofessional attitude.

didyouwritethe · 09/12/2015 19:22

The thing is, offering a truly terrible service is the best way to reduce your workload and have an easy life in the public sector.

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