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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not go for scan in a car park

112 replies

JesusSufferingFuck22 · 20/02/2023 15:53

I’ve been given a breast screening appointment. It’s in a mobile unit at our local supermarket.

I have mobility issues due to MS and think it’ll be a challenge for me to get there.

Does anyone know how accessible these vans are? I use a manual wheelchair but can walk a short distance/use stairs with handrails.
I’ve emailed them and let them know my needs but I’m feeling pretty uncomfortable about it. It’s like my disability will be on display in a car park. Can I request to have my appointment elsewhere or am I being too sensitive?

OP posts:
GoodChat · 20/02/2023 15:54

They have to be accessible so there will be wheelchair access . There won't be loads of people in there so it's not like you'll be on display.

mamabear715 · 20/02/2023 15:55

I've been to them, I can walk but have arthritis in my hip & managed ok. As far as I remember there was a rail to haul myself up, & the ladies who work on the vans have always been lovely.

SleepingStandingUp · 20/02/2023 15:56

From what I've seen if them, to yours need to have your wheelchair outside and walk up steps with hand rails.

Only you can decide if it's too much, but re being in display, I can't imagine anyone thinking anything or it, any more then if you then went into the supermarket shopping.

ThighMistress · 20/02/2023 15:56

Yep, too sensitive!

I have been several times to Sainsbury’s car park and inside the unit you wouldn’t know you weren’t in a private clinic: courtesy, privacy and efficiency.

The stairs are not mountainous, and, unlike a hospital, you can park three paces away!

MrsHamlet · 20/02/2023 15:57

Many many hospitals use mobile units like this - they don't necessarily have other locations inside.

QOD · 20/02/2023 15:58

i just googled my local nhs trust mobile breast screening unit and it has a patient lift - one would hope they are all fully accesible.
Please dont be embarassed

statetrooperstacey · 20/02/2023 15:59

My local chicken processing factory has several of these units in them most of my recent appts and tests and a ct scan have been carried out there. All fine. Some have ramps all have handrails and the staff have always been lovely.

AnyFucker · 20/02/2023 15:59

There is likely to be a ramp for access.

These places are no less discreet than a hospital department.

ThighMistress · 20/02/2023 15:59

Grin at being on display! I thought at first OP meant the windows were transparent and she was afraid of waving her boobs at people with a trolley load of shopping…

Franklin2000 · 20/02/2023 15:59

Ours are in the corner of the car park. I can’t even say I’ve ever noticed people coming in and out, that’s how much attention I’m sure people give them. Do you go out regularly? If so then you’d be no more on display than when you go shopping etc.

KnottyKnitting · 20/02/2023 16:00

I have used this a number of times in a large local car park in a craft centre. There was a stair way to go up but all very privately set up inside.

Loads of free parking too- unlike out local hospital where you need to give at least 45 mins to find a space and then pay £3.50 for the privilege!

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 20/02/2023 16:00

My local hospital has several of these, one atA&E for triage when they're busy, one as the hospital pharmacy and one for breast screening.

They all have very good ramps and are very well set up inside for space and accessibility.

WhereAreMyAirpods · 20/02/2023 16:01

My breast screening appointment was at a "proper" office on the 4th floor and when I arrived the lift was broken.

They should be able to ensure easy accessibility for all.

BouncingWorms · 20/02/2023 16:01

I really don’t think it’s different to any other appointment, in that it’s optional and of course you can rearrange. I doubt they’ll care why you’re rearranging . You probably want to find out where can do it in advance to decide where is suitable, in case it’s all car parks.

Although the one in our local car park has about 3 steps and you can park right next to it (because it’s far from the shop entrance), so possibly more accessible than a hospital which is the point.

poetryandwine · 20/02/2023 16:01

My breast screenings are always at one of these units. If memory serves, and I am not positive, ours has a ramp. I agree with PPs that the inside is like any other NHS facility. I’ve never felt on display and at ours you can park very close by.

squashyhat · 20/02/2023 16:02

Honestly it will be fine. It's so much easier to park than when the screening units are in hospital buildings, and everyone will be used to seeing it parked there and will be much more interested in their shopping. As PPs have said there may be a short (5 or 6) flight of steps but there may also be a lift or a ramp. Perhaps go and check it out before the day of your appointment to put your mind at ease?

JazzleRazzle · 20/02/2023 16:02

Does anyone know if these mobile units have loos in them please? I have also been invited to an appointment I one and am so nervous (seriously debating whether or not I am going to go) which makes me need the loo. I am not keen on having to dash across into the supermarket?

squashyhat · 20/02/2023 16:06

I don't recall the one that I go to having a toilet and a quick google seems to suggest not - there's not much space inside. Can you explain why you are nervous?

Original poster
JesusSufferingFuck22 · 20/02/2023 16:06

Yes, I know I’m being too sensitive. Arriving in a wheelchair then climbing stairs is the embarrassment. I know I’ll be fine once I’m inside, it’s just all the unknown things I’m stressing about. I’ve had a mammogram before so I’m fine with that part.
I just find it a bit odd to do these in a supermarket car park. Thinking about it makes me feel quite vulnerable. I can’t be the only one who feels like this surely?

OP posts:
Clarice99 · 20/02/2023 16:06

JesusSufferingFuck22 · 20/02/2023 15:53

I’ve been given a breast screening appointment. It’s in a mobile unit at our local supermarket.

I have mobility issues due to MS and think it’ll be a challenge for me to get there.

Does anyone know how accessible these vans are? I use a manual wheelchair but can walk a short distance/use stairs with handrails.
I’ve emailed them and let them know my needs but I’m feeling pretty uncomfortable about it. It’s like my disability will be on display in a car park. Can I request to have my appointment elsewhere or am I being too sensitive?

My local mobile breast unit has handrails to the 3 steps to access the unit. There's free parking at the unit I attend which is a plus.

A ramp may be set up if you need to access the unit by using your wheelchair. You could ask if this was an option, if necessary.

I don't understand you being 'on display'. They won't be doing anything to you in the car park. Breast units are secure, private and the staff are really lovely (at least that's the case in the one I attend).

If you ask for an appointment at your local hospital, surely this will be less accessible in that the car park isn't on the hospital doorstep and most hospital car parks charge extortionate fees.

Clarice99 · 20/02/2023 16:07

JazzleRazzle · 20/02/2023 16:02

Does anyone know if these mobile units have loos in them please? I have also been invited to an appointment I one and am so nervous (seriously debating whether or not I am going to go) which makes me need the loo. I am not keen on having to dash across into the supermarket?

The mobile unit I attend has a toilet.

Banchory · 20/02/2023 16:08

statetrooperstacey · 20/02/2023 15:59

My local chicken processing factory has several of these units in them most of my recent appts and tests and a ct scan have been carried out there. All fine. Some have ramps all have handrails and the staff have always been lovely.

It’s a living!

RuthW · 20/02/2023 16:10

They are not assessable but you can request an alternative venue but it may be further away.

CrinkleCutChips · 20/02/2023 16:11

I had a CT scan in a car park and I felt it was very private. You walked up the stairs and there was a small corridor so no-one could see from the outside if they were being nosey. Then the door was firmly shut and that was that. I couldn’t even hear much from outside. It didn’t look wheelchair accessible as the stairs were quite narrow with a sharp turn so I assume that anyone with mobility needs would still have been seen in the main hospital. Honestly though, if it’s anything like our local hospital you’ll be fine.

LIZS · 20/02/2023 16:12

There may well be a ramp or hoist. Noone will be watching. Ours is in the hospital car park.