Opening window for ventilation in hospital

[peachesarenom]

I'm currently in a hospital waiting room. I've deliberately sat by the window and opened it for ventilation. A person in uniform leaned over me to shut the window, just told me they were shutting it and quickly walked away by the time I looked up so I couldn't ask why.

I spoke to another uniformed person and they said I'd be ok because I'm wearing a mask.

I then spoke to the nurse treating me and she said I was fine to open it again!

AIBU to insist on ventilation?

It is the best way to avoid catching covid. Should be open already.

It’s bonkers

The staff are in an impossible position. Everyday we have people complain that the windows are open & that they are freezing so we close them, then we have someone else complain that the windows are closed and they want them open. We simply can't win. But it's always the fault of the staff and we always get shouted at by "both sides"

It does depend on the layout of the building and where you were in it - windows near operating theatres for example absolutely cannot be opened because of the risk of an insect getting into a sterile area and an operation subsequently being delayed or paused.

AIBU to insist on ventilation?

Of course you are! You are one of hundreds of people in that hospital. You don't get to 'insist' on anything

Considering you were sat in a waiting room you are one of the least sick people there, wear a mask and suck it up. Covid isn't the only illness in the world, hospitals are still having to deal with everything else too, and there may be far more serious reasons that a window needs to be closed than open.

You also aren't working - someone 'in uniform' has the authority over the environment above you, they're privy to far more information than you are.

You don't get to unilaterally 'insist' on anything, just sit tight and gratefully wait for your appointment, and stop undermining the staff.