to expect the phlebotomist to acknowledge my presence?

[cheshirekitty]

Went for my quarterly blood test today (am a diabetic). Sat in the chair, I said "good morning". Phlebo grabbed my arm, put the tourniquet around it, shoved the needle in and took 3 syringes of blood, all without saying a word to me. She was too busy discussing her private life with the other phlebotomist in the room.

I found this a little rude, she could have at least replied to my good morning.

AIBU? Or am I getting old and becoming a Victor Meldrew?

Can I just say, that is a great thread title and one you could only get on MN.

YANBU

I'd think about writing a letter to the clinic manager. I'd probably not get as far as actually sending it though....

YANBU. This has happened to me.

I have worked for the NHS and I know that unfortunately there are some people who seem to have forgotten that they are dealing with a human being - possibly someone feeling anxious or vulnerable.

I probably would have said something sarcastic on exiting the room : "Thanks, that was lovely" or "Nice to meet you" (or rather, thought about it afterwards and fumed silently)

Lol @ Katisha.

CheshireKitty, YANBU. That is extremely rude behaviour.

I had this experience when I was in hospital. After various failed attempts to find a vein, the midwives stopped excavating and left. About 10 minutes later a doctor walked in, head down, didn't even make eye contact, grabbed my arm and shoved a needle into my lower forearm, just above the wrist. It left a huge black bruise that took weeks to disappear. He then turned and left without even looking at me!

I found it very upsetting, quite violent actually. Would it kill them to say "hello, I've come to take some blood?"

You took the words out of my mouth Katisha! 'larious.

YANBU. This happened to me too when pregnant and borderline anaemic.

Rude bint didn't even say hello, shoved the needle in me (leaving a bruise) and carried on talking to her colleague.

Bolshy Irish woman that I am I just asked her if she always so rude and unprofessional. Her face was a picture. Cue one muttered apology and that was it.

Message withdrawn

What do you expect! She is only interested in your veins!

(Am doing my medical terminology course at the mo and am becoming an anorak!))