Nasty receptionist re mask

[Maskymoo]

I waddled (heavily pregnant) to my local GP to drop off some papers today. Due to health complications for both of my children and also the pregnancy, I have been to the doctor/hospital well in excess of 30/40 times during the pandemic. Every single time I have been asked to remove the mask I have and put on a fresh mask. So I’ve stopped taking a mask with me as they provide one at the door. Logical, and saves me a lot of washing/binning of masks etc as they are supposed to be one time wear.

Anyway in i waddle and no masks are out to take so I politely ask for one. Receptionist lays into me in a dramatic fashion about how can I not have one/they cost the nhs money etc etc. honestly I was pretty floored by this and didn’t even think about how it’s a learned behaviour of mine to not take one as they are never used/I’m told to replace them.

AIBU? What do other people’s GPs have them do? I’m trying to follow the rules and it felt pretty shitty to be reprimanded in this way/it’s never nice to be “told off” as a grown up and I’m interested in other people’s experience!

At our GPS they charge 50p for a blue mask. Totally irrelevant but still. Sometimes people forget. She shouldn't have had a go at you.

We aren’t allowed to wear cloth ones, have to change so I don’t take one with me either. I’d definitely complain.

Wonder if we're at the same surgery. Similar happened on Friday.

Every appointment we've had (my youngest has complex issues so we're at the nurse for BP/bloods/other checks or the GP pretty much weekly) since the first lockdown it has been into the porch, sanitise hands, do temp reading, take off mask and put on one of theirs (even if the same), then go in.

Went on Friday, did hands and temp, went to take mask off and got shouted at by the receptionist. Proper "Do not take your mask off" bellowed. Fair enough they've changed policy, but she then followed it up with "What's the point of wearing a mask then taking it off in a place full of sick people?"

She did apologise pretty profusely when I pointed out that they'd required a mask change every previous time and their sign still mentions changing mask so I'm not psychic.

By the time our appointment was over the sign was down and the practice manager was buzzing around, I think expecting a complaint, but I don't have the energy right now.

@passport123

We have a box for those who don't have one. Am surprised you've been asked to change mask at other places.

They put you in a box if you don’t bring your mask????

Just take a mask next time and move on from this.

At all hospital appointments I was asked to change from a disposable type 2r that I’d purchased, to a disposable type 2r that was provided.

I made the same mistake with the gp once and had to borrow, they weren’t impressed! I pointed out the system at every other nhs site! Have to remember gps are private businesses contracted to nhs though.

At the hospital I was asked to change my mask, even if I was already wearing a disposable blue one, at every appointment. Although when I went in for my induction and subsequent days on post natal, I wasn’t offered more masks just expected to keep wearing the blue one I’d come in with a few days earlier. The GP don’t require you to change masks (same trust). Taking the baby for their jabs, I forgot my mask and pulled my jumper over my face until I got to reception the receptionist asked “mask?” Straight away and grabbed the box of spares for me to put on. She didn’t have a go but just did that half laugh when you’ve repeated something a million times because everyone has done the same.

@JustLyra

Does your practice start with a V?

I just don’t get the attitude about it. Even if I kept one in my coat pocket, I was wearing a different coat than usual and there wasn’t one in there. It’s a lot harder to remember to pack one now that they aren’t required everywhere and people make mistakes/forget things anyway. Surely no need for rudeness!

I would have happily paid 50p or whatever for one!

@InTheNightWeWillWish

I was at hospital this week and I nearly passed out and they told me to take my mask off and keep it off. Also like a PP said, I’m sure our paedatrician never wears a mask at appts so there’s no consistency whatsoever really

She was out of order. Write a formal complaint to the practice manager.
I've been to the eye hospital recently and was asked to change mask to a fresh one they gave me; it's hardly unusual.