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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Covid Rules

21 replies

Jarek25 · 23/10/2020 12:27

QUESTION: One week ago today I was given my flu jab in a small enclosed room by a pharmacist who told me once I was in the room with the door closed that she didn't have to wear a mask as she was medically exempt. This to me was completely unacceptable. I then complained to the company Boots and got a condescending email from the store manager basically saying 'so what?' I then wrote back to the Customer Care team and the CEO Sebastian James but have received no response whatsoever. Any suggestions for my next steps? I'm not looking for anything besides the safety of all the customers visiting that store and to prevent them from being treated by someone who is not using basic Covid-safety measures during a rising pandemic. Am I getting unreasonably upset about this?

OP posts:

Acerred · 23/10/2020 12:32

If it was unacceptable to you then why did you stay? I had my flu vaccine and honestly can't remember if the nurse wore a mask or not, I was in the room for such a short time and they were 2m+ away except for the few seconds where they actually put the needle in.

I don't think you need to take any next steps.

Thatwentbadly · 23/10/2020 12:35

You didn’t have to stay in the room. What do you want the store to do?

wishing3 · 23/10/2020 12:37

I think it depends on the situation. If there was more than one pharmacist I’d expect one who was able to wear a mask to be administering the flu jabs, especially as they are for vulnerable people. If that was the only option for that pharmacy administering then I think it’s fair enough.

flaviaritt · 23/10/2020 12:38

She is medically exempt. She has a medical reason not to wear a mask. Do you want her to wear one anyway and come to harm?

Cocomarine · 23/10/2020 12:40

You’re hard work. That pharmacist can’t wear a mask. You had a choice not to treated by them. Many people would be fine with this because the contact time is very low. I do think they should have told you before you went into the room that the pharmacist wouldn’t have a mask - but that’s a one level of complaint /feedback type situation. Not tweeting the CEO 🙄

AriettyHomily · 23/10/2020 13:26

Well you didn't have to stay.

Original poster

Jarek25 · 23/10/2020 16:39

Thank you for the feedback, and yes I could have refused treatment. Staying was my choice. But I'm genuinely surprised that none of you are concerned about the pharmacist who has been put in this position when she could easily be moved to a role within a large company like Boots where she doesn't have to work unprotected with patients who are potentially asymptomatic but infectious with Covid.

OP posts:

Cocomarine · 23/10/2020 16:42

Easily moved? Like to the tills? And use her pharmaceutical training there?
Why do you think she can be easily moved?

Washimal · 23/10/2020 16:43

But a mask wouldn't protect her, would it? You wear a mask to protect others, not yourself. I assumed your concern was that the pharmacist could pass covid onto you, not the other way around.

Cocomarine · 23/10/2020 16:44

And why have you done a 180 on whether you’re complaining about customer safety or pharmacist safety?

Bickles · 23/10/2020 16:46

It’s unacceptable for healthcare staff to claim to be exempt. She should stick to counting pills etc and exempt herself from patient facing care.
What next - medically exempt dentists? Surgeons?

satnighttakeaway · 23/10/2020 16:47

I'm surprised that they allow non mask wearers to do injections, I agree with you that it's not best practice, quite contrary reactions above.

Have you tried aksing the question on a public space like their facebook or twitter pages?

ilovesooty · 23/10/2020 16:51

My flu jab was given by someone wearing his mask under his nose. I wasn't too impressed with that but was desperate to have it.

ChaChaCha2012 · 23/10/2020 16:53

How long were you in the room for, a couple of minutes at most?

I'd love to know too what other role the pharmacist could be given!

EatDessertFirst · 23/10/2020 16:59

Echoing a pp, the mask doesn't protect the wearer? You imply that you got the hump because her not wearing a mask makes her a risk to you. Were you wearing a mask?

pussycatinboots · 23/10/2020 17:16

I'd have walked out and gone elsewhere.
My DH has a heart condition. Her not wearing a mask increases the risk of transmission to him, and that is not a risk I would take.

picklemewalnuts · 23/10/2020 17:22

I'm with you, OP. I didn't realise I was going to be in a tiny room with the door shut when I took up the offer of my flu jab. At the time, I was actually more uncomfortable about being in a small space with a bloke than the CV, but if I'm offered it next year, I'll ask that the door be left open.

At the time, you can't process fast enough to object. You're in and feel committed before you can formulate a response.

I agree no one should be working with you in a confined space without a mask, unless they check with you first.

satnighttakeaway · 23/10/2020 18:11

@ChaChaCha2012

How long were you in the room for, a couple of minutes at most?

I'd love to know too what other role the pharmacist could be given!

If it's a large branch then obviously they could be the pharmacist who doesn't do the flu jabs, or they could have a locum to do the jabs. It's hardly rocket science to think of a safer way to organise things

Reallybadidea · 23/10/2020 18:15

The people she is injecting are likely to be those most vulnerable to covid, so no, she really shouldn't be doing that particular part of the job if she cannot wear a mask.

DDiva · 23/10/2020 18:21

@ChaChaCha2012

How long were you in the room for, a couple of minutes at most?

I'd love to know too what other role the pharmacist could be given!

I imagine they could continue with the role they do when flu jabs are not being done.

I'm suprised someone unable to wear a mask is routinely rota'd to work in close contact with patients.

Original poster

Jarek25 · 23/10/2020 20:26

All the replies to my post about this on Facebook and Twitter, including those from several nurses and a dentist unanimously agree that it is bad practice for any medical professional to be exempt from Covid safety rules. Thank you for your feedback, but I am genuinely feeling bullied on this forum and will now leave this conversation.

OP posts:

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