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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU to complain about this nurse?

34 replies

HopefullyAnonymous · 15/08/2017 19:14

I should start by saying I'm not normally the complaining type. Story is quite long so here goes.

I've recently been offered a new job, one which is subject to passing a medical, vetting etc and which will involve six months away from home/family training before starting my posting. Not army. The medical exams are outsourced to an occupational health company with clinics at hospitals throughout the country; I attended mine six weeks ago.

The nurse who carried out my assessment was pretty rubbish; she seemed very unsure on which forms she needed to complete, during my hearing test she wouldn't turn the fan and radio off despite me saying I couldn't hear the beeps, then suggested I have mild hearing loss Hmm then took five unsuccessful attempts at getting blood from my arms (leaving me extremely bruised) before remembering that they aren't even required for my particular job. I planned to complain then, but told myself that everyone has off days and I was reluctant to get her into trouble I suppose.

Fast forward to last week, where I get a call from my new employer asking why I haven't been for my medical yet. I explained that I had, but they've yet to get the report back. This delay means I've already missed the next training intake. I contacted the clinic; today I got a call from the same nurse saying that she'd accidentally deleted all of my data on the day but hadn't got round to calling me!! The clinic is a good hours drive from my home and current place of work, and I'd already used annual leave for the first appointment! WIBU to now put in a complaint? The woman seems completely incompetent, and I'm now just really annoyed about the whole thing!

OP posts:
CatsRidingRollercoasters · 15/08/2017 19:17

Ywnbu.

OutnumberedbyFurchesters · 15/08/2017 19:19

Definitely not being ureasonable!

PollyFlint · 15/08/2017 19:19

I would complain to the occupational health company, yes - and I speak as someone who doesn't make complaints about stuff very often. You had crap treatment on the day (giving you blood tests you didn't need? WTF?) and then not getting round to telling they've fucked up and lost your data is appalling.

Optimist1 · 15/08/2017 19:25

Yes, you need to report this. These companies are paid handsomely for their work, so I'd be inclined to ask them to confirm to your new employers that you did attend for the medical but due to their error it will need to be done again.

Maya12 · 15/08/2017 19:26

Complain to her company but also to the professional body. Interventions that are not required and loss of confidential medical data are serious matters and if repeated, will lead to disqualification.

rememberpurpleronnie · 15/08/2017 19:36

Wow she sounds utterly incompetent, or worse like she just doesn't care. YANBU.

AngeloftheSouth84 · 15/08/2017 19:37

If she conducted unnecessary blood tests, then that constitutes assault. You could probably complain to the NMC, and maybe even the police as well.
If she is that incompetent, it is probably why she works for a private company rather than the NHS

eubyru · 15/08/2017 19:39

Any hearing test I've been to there is supposed to be background noise and it needs to be realistic

Glumglowworm · 15/08/2017 19:45

Definitely complain

Anyone can make a mistake but sounds like she made several and then either tried to cover it up and hoped you wouldn't find out about the lost data or at best, failed to take the necessary action to fix the mistake.

CashelGirl · 15/08/2017 19:47

Yes, complain loudly and vigorously. I doubt you are the only person who has had their time and money wasted by this person. Not good enough.

Libitina · 15/08/2017 19:49

YANBU OP.

SonicBoomBoom · 15/08/2017 19:51

YANBU at all. Absolutely ridiculous.

ChocoholicsAnonymous · 15/08/2017 19:51

That's shocking. Yes totally incompetent.

John4703 · 15/08/2017 19:56

eubyru Tue 15-Aug-17 19:39:29
Any hearing test I've been to there is supposed to be background noise and it needs to be realistic
I have had my hearing tested in my local hospital, it was done in a room that was soundproof and in complete silence apart from the bleeps in the ear phones.

AngeloftheSouth84 · 15/08/2017 19:56

And the lost data would be unlawful under the Data Protection Act

AngeloftheSouth84 · 15/08/2017 19:58

Any hearing test I've been to there is supposed to be background noise and it needs to be realistic
Staff conducting your hearing tests are obviously all incompetent too

TamyQlass · 15/08/2017 19:58

Definitely complain. List the issues with whatever details you can, e.g. Where we're the 5 attempts at getting blood made, then list the costs/time you have already incurred and will for the next one. Then maybe invite some contribution to these rather than insist, but do make it clear that you expect a reply with an explanation and or apology. Last resort would be to go NMC but don't hesitate to if that'll be required.
Poor you, my sympathies, I bruise easily and have had bad blood sample giving times when it was essential to.

Blogwoman · 15/08/2017 20:00

Any hearing test I've been to there is supposed to be background noise and it needs to be realistic
No - I agree with PP that the hearing test where you're listening to beeps should be in a soundproofed room, ideally, and with headphones.
I think you should complain - this is unacceptable and unprofessional on many counts.

stillvicarinatutu · 15/08/2017 20:03

id also tell the HR dept of the service you are recruiting to.

SparklyUnicornPoo · 15/08/2017 20:09

Complain. off day or not she has massively fucked up and it could start making you look bad by your employer thinking you just hadn't bothered, also I'd be worried about if her not doing her job properly might cause an issue with getting the wrong results, especially if your job offer is dependant on the results (so like the hearing test made your hearing look worse than it is, does you new role require a certain level of hearing?)

DonkeyOil · 15/08/2017 20:22

Any hearing test I've been to there is supposed to be background noise and it needs to be realistic

In our local hospital's Audiology Dept., they also conduct hearing tests in a soundproofed room in complete silence.

SquedgieBeckenheim · 15/08/2017 20:26

Definitely complain.
I've had many hearing tests and they have always been done in a silent, soundproof room.
Loss of data in a clinical governance issue.

hedgebitch · 15/08/2017 20:27

That's abysmal. I'm not a complainer generally, but in this instance I absolutely would.

BlackJesus · 15/08/2017 20:36

You could probably complain to the NMC, and maybe even the police as well

oh ffs REALLY? Hmm

Original poster
HopefullyAnonymous · 16/08/2017 10:04

Thanks everyone, I sort of knew I wasn't being unreasonable. I think I'm just worrying about the implications of a complaint on her career, but she really was incompetent.

Regarding the lost data, she claimed that she didn't save the forms correctly (all done on computer) so I suppose the information wasn't lost exactly; she never actually had it!

The hearing test is supposed to be completed in silence, the noises in the room were louder than the beeps from the headphones. I did ask for it to be noted that I'd complained about background noise. I think I will complain, it's really not an acceptable level of service!

OP posts: