Surgery staff taking about me in earshot

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

Apparently it's a "pain in the backside" as I've turned up 15 minutes early (I've not? It's 5 minutes early) and they invited me to wait in the waiting room yet this is now causing an issue? I'm the only one here.

When I arrived at the surgery the sign on the door says "please wear a mask. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you". I didn't have one. So I was provided one from a big stack on the counter.

She has said to her colleague "and she didn't turn up with a mask, I mean it's obvious isn't it?"

I'm sitting right here! And the sign on the door says I would be provided with one

I wasn't asked on the phone to arrive exactly on time or wear a mask.

OP, they were really rude. Definitely email a complaint.

That’s unacceptable. How awful for you OP.

FWIW I know we now have to wear a mask to the doctors from reading this thread!

I’d definitely complain as talking about any patient within earshot of others is unprofessional.

What is it with the “I haven’t got a maaaask” business ? Why are people so useless?

Why do you word it like a whine? It's a fact. I DO NOT HAVE ANY MASKS.

When I reach a point where I require one, I will procure one. If I had been advised on making the appointment to wear one I would have gone and got one and worn it

On arrival at the surgery I was told one would be provided so I chose that option..Had I been told to get my own, I would have gone and purchased one.

I have not been in a situation where a mask is required. Until right now.

@IrmaFayLear

What is it with the “I haven’t got a maaaask” business ? Why are people so useless?

I have made six masks. And I am definitely not a Great Sewing Bee contestant! There are a million types online to have a go at. And of course you can buy them. You buy your own loo roll; masks should be no different. Honestly, I am somewhat convinced that there are people who would demand that the govt (ie taxpayer) furnishes us with toilet roll and tissues.

Good for you

I am confused where the mask wearing rule has come from?

I was recently told off at the GP's because I did not have a mask and had I not read the signs - well I had read the signs on their reception desk but it was a little late since I was already at the appointment!! I left some feedback that they should blanket text their patients as they had also run out of masks to give to people so clearly I wasn't the only one. Low and behold they have sent a text out today.

I have bought masks now but have not needed to have one before as have been barely leaving the house and it's only in recent weeks that they are being advised.

After being told off I scoured the government website and found one article (linked below) that advised mask wear in hospitals. However in the guidance/FAQs/social media pages, the only mandatory place to wear them is public transport and it is just recommended to wear them in shops etc.

I am genuinely asking to be sent a link (that isn't the one below) where the government states it is mandatory to wear in health care environments as I felt like a wally not knowing about this 'law'.

www.gov.uk/government/news/face-masks-and-coverings-to-be-worn-by-all-nhs-hospital-staff-and-visitors

@letmethinkaboutitfornow

YABU - mask - I assume you are in the UK, where the have you been in the last three months??? Who would go into a hospital NOW without wearing one?? The likelihood of catching Covid there is a lot higher!

Not surprised they were talking about you. Which planet are you from?
I can see why your inconsiderate actions were annoying

You wear mask and try to spend as little time as possible in a hospital environment when a pandemic is on. 😔😳

How rude you are. Are you the same in real life?

Either way, I'm glad I don't know you

How does anyone in glasses manage with a mask? As soon as I put it on my glasses fogged up. I had to take them off for the whole visit but I'm very very shortsighted without them so that added to the whole joyful experience.

Looks like only the feather pluckers got the memo via osmosis.

I've run out of masks and I had to go to A&E last night with my child, they provided us with masks. While waiting not one person who come in after us wore a mask until given one at the A&E reception. I would definitely have let the receptionists know that I overheard their rudeness.

@IrmaFayLear

What is it with the “I haven’t got a maaaask” business ? Why are people so useless?

I have made six masks. And I am definitely not a Great Sewing Bee contestant! There are a million types online to have a go at. And of course you can buy them. You buy your own loo roll; masks should be no different. Honestly, I am somewhat convinced that there are people who would demand that the govt (ie taxpayer) furnishes us with toilet roll and tissues.

Hang on while I fill in the recommendation for a New Years Honour for you

What a weird over-reaction, are you feeling OK?

DH went for a routine outpatients check up shortly after they restarted and was phoned, sent a letter and given a mask and it was explained to him how to put it on properly, as they are no use if you are not wearing them correctly.

The appointments were timed perfectly so that there was no waiting, and the waiting room had been rearranged so that there were a few well spaced chairs.

I think it is just a GP thing. Even my last one which was pretty good on most things seemed to think you understood what was going on by osmosis.

How does anyone in glasses manage with a mask?

Put your glasses over the top of the mask (the part over your nose).

I had similar recently when I went to the doctor for a blood test. I had no idea I had to take a mask and no one told me when I made the appointment. I don't have any masks at home, it's not mandatory to wear one everywhere and I haven't been out much yet. I was told that the surgery do not have any masks and so I can't come in! So I had to quickly go and buy some, the closest shop was only selling masks in a box for £20!! and then come back late for my appointment!

In Italy you have to wear a mask everywhere. No mask = no admittance. Everyone gets on with it; no whingeing about how they haven’t got any or they didn’t know or they have a special nose that can’t cope with a mask.

I went to the hospital last week, and my cousin went this week. We were both informed that we must wear masks. I would assume that a GP surgery would have a similar rule. And, even if it didn’t, wouldn’t you have an emergency mask in your bag just in case masks were required?

@letmethinkaboutitfornow

YABU - mask - I assume you are in the UK, where the have you been in the last three months??? Who would go into a hospital NOW without wearing one?? The likelihood of catching Covid there is a lot higher!

Not surprised they were talking about you. Which planet are you from?
I can see why your inconsiderate actions were annoying

You wear mask and try to spend as little time as possible in a hospital environment when a pandemic is on. 😔😳

The OP was at her G.P. surgery, not a hospital! Certainly hope that you don’t work in a Healthcare situation letmethinkaboutitfornow, as talking about any patient like that is incredibly rude! The OP certainly should put in a written (email) complaint and should receive an apology, from the Practice Manager, after he/she has dealt with the staff in question.

Some of the NHS staff are such bitches & on a real power trip 🙄

I went in for an op & could hear the nurses talking about me, usually I would say something but I was too weak & felt too ill at the time. Although I did put a complaint in later as I was in pain & all 3 of them did nothing but talk about their sodding weddings for about 2 hours. Nothing was done though as they can't get any staff other than these lazy lot, so they get away with it.

Last week I had to go to hospital for tests, the letter I got said wear a mask & not to turn up until 5 mins before the appointment. When I arrived not one person was wearing a mask, & I had arrived looking like a bloody bank robber with my scarf wrapped around my face.

I think it’s shit if GP surgeries aren’t giving proper information out beforehand. Mine told me on the phone and texted me about masks, arriving on time and waiting to be called. They should be making that stuff clear.

I'd expect nothing less from the reception staff at my practice unfortunately! They are rude at the best of times. I just had a look on their website to see if there's any info about requirement to wear a mask and all it says is that the surgery is closed for general admittance so if you have an appointment you'll have to ring the buzzer to get in. No mention of masks although i think i'd expect to have to wear one.

I’m very sorry you left feeling like crap OP. Some of the responses on here aren’t much better. You didn’t do anything wrong. When you’ve composed yourself it would be good to email the surgery to address the issue

I cannot believe you are all getting these appointments. I cannot have my B12 injection

Who would go into a hospital NOW without wearing one??

Well, I went to UCH in London yesterday for an ultrasound. The two 'phone calls I had had about this appointment the previous day and the official letter did not mention the need to wear a mask. However, I had a mask as I'd had to go there by public transport. I walked in wearing it, got to the X-ray department and noticed one patient waiting and the receptionist, neither of whom were wearing one so I took mine off (we were all distancing). When the radiographer & nurse came to get me, I asked if they wanted me to wear my mask and they said there was no need as they were masked themselves.

My old surgery was like this. They happily spouted off about patients behind the desk. One time they sent a confidential letter out to my mum but addressed it to my sister who lives at the same address. I had issues with my confidentiality being impaired whilst in the waiting room as well and I complained but got nowhere, the practice manager refused to speak to me. Some surgeries are just crap.

OP:
I have found that if you rest your glasses on the actual mask (so a bit lower down your nose than you would normally put them, you don't fog them up (well, I don't anyway!).

Had when I buzzed on the door the receptionist asked me to remain outside until my appointment I would have been happy to do so.
She came to the door and opened it so I could enter.

I agree, OP, it's their responsibility to monitor patients in and out. Not let people in begrudgingly and then bitch about them

Write to the practice manager.

Sorry that happened OP, I would ring and ask to speak to the practice manager or send an email. It's a pity you didn't mention to the nurse that you were a bit stressed because of it.

@IrmaFayLear
I've ordered masks online for an appointment on Wednesday as they said on the phone I'd need one and rang today to check if I had any covid symptoms and remind me to wear the mask. I have never needed one until now. DH has had two hospital appointments in the last fortnight, one of which was for blood tests, and neither wore nor was offered a mask on either occasion.
So no, people don't necessarily have masks.
If you're in Italy where they are compulsory that is entirely different.