to not want to express milk in a room used for changing cathetas

[Fatas]

There alternative, suitable rooms available at my workplace. Was recently given a room to express, it is a large room, is secure and has a lockable door. There is a desk to sit at etc.

The room is used amongst other things for toileting; changing cathetas was mentioned, I am assuming it could be used for colostomy bags- but not sure on this one.

I really don't feel comfortable expressing for my little one in there, in fact I really feel it is inappropriate.

When I expressed concerns was told that the room was very clean and it was cleaned regularly.

I would have thought the disabled toilet is the most appropriate place to change a colostomy bag or use a catheter, all the people I know who have catheters or bags do this when they aren't at home. I don't have either so prepared to be told i'm wrong. I wouldn't mind expressing in that room but I expressed everywhere, just wore a floaty top over a vest top and shoved the pump between the layers. Nobody could see anything but some people wondered what the noise was.

X-post. If this room is used for medical procedures then how can it be free for you to express in?

Sorry I had to smile that you didn't want a room for bodily functions which of course producing milk for you child is.

I don't think from the description you've put on here it's easy for us to understand what the actual issues are and to be honest that room is probably cleaner than any other. Normal office desks are terrible for germs. Talk to a TU Rep or your manager about using the original room that was designated for use.

Am guessing its a clinical room with a desk and a couch or similar where catheter and possibly colostomy bags might get changed under sterile conditions, I guess this is some of medical practice or clinic. What room did you ask for as an alternative, is it one which other staff use so you cannot have exclusive use of it. That's fair.

This is a sterile room used for medical procedures?

Not quite getting why it isn't appropriate for expressing.

I assume you express into a container rather than on the floor?

If there is no toilet in there, and no hand basin I doubt very much people are using it for catheter and stoma care.

I don’t really see what the problem is if I’m honest. For expressing or feeding you need a clean, private area with somewhere to sit. The fact other people might use it for other reasons is largely irrelevant. It’s not comparable to a toilet and I would be very surprised if it’s being used for urinary catheter care if there is no toilet or washing facilities.

I’m a nurse with infection control experience and this wouldn’t really ping my radar.

There is no toilet- please see original post

Would you express milk in a hospital cubicle? I expect you would from a hygiene point of view but probably far worse things have happened in a hospital cubicle than the room you have been offered. As long as the room is regularly cleaned - and you would probably wipe down your chair and the table anyway before pumping - I don't see the problem.

You are being ridiculous op , the room is in no way comparable with a toilet.

Do you work in a hospital or clinic?

I'm really not seeing the issue OP.

I'd even go so far as to say you're coming across as a bit "precious".

Go in, express, go out....

Job Jobbed...

You’re being PFB op

Hi

There's a basin, no toilet.

It is not a clinical practice.

I am expected to use the room at certain times to fit around the times that it is in use- which is a problem as I may be asked to carry out other duties during these times.

There really isn't a huge reason why I cant use the original room- at this time of year there are plenty of other rooms available.

There are numerous more suitable rooms, inc the one I was initially given

Would you express milk in a hospital cubicle?

Exactly.

You'd express milk on a Maternity Ward - which is one of the germiest areas I can think of!

You're being incredibly precious.

@Fatas
Here are the regulations, you do not have to use that room, or express at set times.

m.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/b/s/Acas-guide-on-accommodating-breastfeeding-in-the-workplace.pdf

Rather than referring people back to your original post, which didn’t make much sense, perhaps you could just try explaining yourself better...?

So there’s no toilet in this room, it’s used by others, however, for the process of changing catheters etc.?

That’s fine. It’s not anything like eating sandwiches in a toilet. 1. It’s jot an actual toilet. The procedures taking place are pretty cleanly done. You are more likely to come into contact with others’ fecal matter or urine from door handles thanks to people not washing their hands. 2. You aren’t actually feeding your baby in there anyway, the milk goes straight from you into the pump, it’s not doing some convoluted marble run around the room....

You are being ridiculous.

So it’s a room that can be used for various different reasons, I really really can’t see the problem then.

As a former nurse, I would say that the room is suitable for expressing milk - I would be happy to do it in there.

If you are worried, take some anti-bac wipes, and wipe down any surfaces you will touch or use.

I was trying to be polite when using the phrase bodily functions.

I have spoken to my trade union who were absolutely horrified when I explained the situation to them actually.

Why bother asking OP?
You obviously are set on your opinion

I have spoken to my trade union who were absolutely horrified when I explained the situation to them actually.

So what's the point in coming on here?? You've made up your mind - not interested in other views, what a waste of everyone's time....

To me you just sound like you're sulking that the mysterious "other room" is no longer available.....

Xpost with Fatty

Thanks @UpstartCrow- I have read these regs, but not exactly sure if the room fitted into a medical room or toilet, I assume it comes under the first category.

What a fuss about nothing.

Your trade union are horrified, eh?

Let them negotiate on your behalf then