Mask shamed (disability), complain? (Some TMI)

[Maskwoes]

I've NCed for this thread as I expect the details I share will make the case highly identifiable. MNHQ can confirm I'm a member of some years.

I have several disabilities, physical and psychological. I am unable to wear a face mask because I have PTSD from sexual trauma as a young teen. I'm sorry for TMI but it's relevant to the case - I was raped and penetrated in my mouth too. Due to this nothing can cover my mouth, it's an instant panic attack.

I had to attend a hospital yesterday - minor injuries unit. I approached to book in and was instantly ordered to put on a mask, one was offered, to which I replied I was unable to do so due to a mental health condition. She fetched a nurse who asked why I was refusing to wear one, and that if I did not then I would be removed from the unit. This area is very open and very public, with other patients being seen at the side of me.

I was becoming extremely anxious at this point and explained that I have PTSD. They wanted details. I was essentially railroaded into detailing what happened as a teen. I was told to wait and then taken into a room with a doctor and another nurse. I again had to explain in detail my PTSD. I was then offered a visor type mask which I found very claustrophobic and in all honesty unbearable.

I was then triaged, assessed and treated. In total I explained everything three times, had an hour-long major panic attack in the car afterwards and have been very on edge, upset, and on the edge of more panic attacks. I had two more overnight and haven't slept, am very upset.

I'm extremely pissed off in truth and am wondering whether I should complain, through which channels, how far to push and what the outcome would likely be.

I'm posting this in AIBU as I want the brutally honest views!

Thank you for reading.

It isn't a paid-for feature - anyone can use it

It doesnt work for me and says premium feature

But I’m happy to believe that MNHQ have it in for me 😩

Or im pressing the wrong button...thats more than possible

From my recent experience at a Minor Injuries Clinic recently you are only allowed in as one person and with a mask. This is checked via intercom before you are allowed in . Even then the place was practically empty with nurses etc coming to collect the patient . You should have explained this to them at this stage ( if you do not have an exemption card) . It is obvious that they listened to you if they provided you with a face shield . What did you expect them to do ? You should have drawn attention to your lanyard .y .

[quote RagamuffinAndFidget]@RufustheRowlingReindeer I am on the app (unpaid) and have the option to filter posts by poster at the top of each thread. You can select the OP and only see their posts.[/quote]
Im pressing the ‘see all’ button

Is there another ways then

Abject apologies due to just then!

I think the hospital was in the wrong here. If they needed personal details they should have gone somewhere private. If they need you to alert them before visiting that you can't wear a mask, they need to ask this beforehand. So sorry about what you went through as a teen OP.

Oh i get it

Seeing everyone elses posts is a premium feature but not seeing the OPs

Abject apologies everyone...I’m going to skulk off and hide in a corner for a bit

@RufustheRowlingReindeer

No it isn't. Neither seeing all OPs posts on a single thread or AS a name are paid for features.

@Maskwoes

I have a legal case it would seem. No idea how I'll afford a disability discrimination lawyer, I guess nothing stopping me pursuing it as a layperson. They are horrified and say many in the medical community are at the treatment of exempt service users.

So a money payment will make you feel better ?

@RufustheRowlingReindeer depends what platform you're using. On the Apple app for example there's a little pin icon at the top and when you tap it it says "show posts only by" and OP shows up right at the top. Tap their username and it'll only show their posts. The paid version allows you to select other posters as well.

What do you mean by legal case? Suing the NHS and/or individual staff members?

@TheStuffedPenguin

ODFOD

TheStuffedPenguin

Where did he say he wanted money? An apology would be a good start. Knowing that there are appropriate protocols and staff training in place to prevent a recurrence would give peace of mind.

So a money payment will make you feel better ?

I couldn't give two shits about money. Accountability and integrity are entirely different.

So a money payment will make you feel better ?

Do you think things like this should go unchallenged? A challenge using legal means will set precedent for all organisations - sends out a message, perhaps? I am sure the OP would have rather it hadn't happened or do you imagine him gleefully counting the pennies everytime he has to relive his trauma in front of a waiting room of patients?

I understand that we are all on edge. Hell, I am a teacher and absolutely want masks to be mandatory in schools from September because I can see the way this is likely to go. But the system is that people are allowed to self declare whether or not they are exempt from wearing a mask - OP was wearing a sunflower lanyard which is a bit of a clue and a well known and understood clue in the NHS. The NHS and all business needs to ensure that it's employees are aware of the self-exemption declaration and that it is not to be challenged. Moreover, in this situation, that staff concerned must be disciplined due to them forcing a disclosure of this nature in a public place. It's not bloody rocket science.

@Maskwoes

So a money payment will make you feel better ?

I couldn't give two shits about money. Accountability and integrity are entirely different.

Ive come out of hiding to agree with the OP

(Thanks free and come)

@AnyName1

As someone from a country with a health system nothing like as good as the NHS it astounds me at how some of you regard the NHS and indeed Coronavirus. It's no wonder your country is doing so astonishingly badly with the virus.

I was delighted with the medical care I received. This is something completely unrelated to treatment.

@TheStuffedPenguin

From my recent experience at a Minor Injuries Clinic recently you are only allowed in as one person and with a mask. This is checked via intercom before you are allowed in . Even then the place was practically empty with nurses etc coming to collect the patient . You should have explained this to them at this stage ( if you do not have an exemption card) . It is obvious that they listened to you if they provided you with a face shield . What did you expect them to do ? You should have drawn attention to your lanyard .y .

Except it flies in the face of the Government's The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 guidance?

Attention to my lanyard? I would have thought it swinging around my frontage was attention enough, or do you think I should've removed it and threw it on the counter? JFC.

I wouldn't want to get overworked and underpaid staff into trouble so I wouldn't have made it official.

[quote ILikeGinAndCake]@TheStuffedPenguin my thoughts exactly, compo face ready. Can’t you just complain so that they handle the situation better next time? Why do you need to seek a legal case and compensation?[/quote]
To set a precedent in case law so that other people don't have to go through this bullshit.

I am very sorry you had to go through this. You can download exemption cards from here www.civicmc.nhs.uk/files/2020/06/Face-Covering-Exemption-Cards.pdf

It would be a good idea to carry one around with you.

Firstly, OP, I'm really sorry you were treated like this. It was unacceptable and I'm glad that this is acknowledged as such by the legal advice you've received.

I'm astounded that anyone working in a healthcare setting could have such a staggering lack of empathy, or even basic understanding of the rules around mask wearing (and yes, fact do trump opinion even if our society increasingly seems to treat the two as interchangeable terms).

And for those questioning why OP is going down the legal route, she's already stated that she doesn't have much faith in PALS. From her posts it doesn't look at all like financial compensation is her motivation, but forcing the Trust to accept that illegal discrimination took place and to make sure it doesn't happen again. Sadly, often only a financial penalty, or threat thereof, makes organisations pay attention. And I'd say OP is to be commended; by standing up she's making sure this won't happen to anyone else.

and what about your own accountability and integrity to ensure that this visit took place smoothly ?

What do you think the OP could have done differently, based on what he has said?