I had a lovely experience with nurses and doctors.

[Theodoreb]

I'm on the shielding list and had to go to hospital for back problems after a car crash months ago.

I also have severe mental health problems. As I was shielding I was out in a private room the whole time. obviously everyone was wearing masks but a small act made me realize that some doctors and nurses are struggling with the social distancing.

My mental health was not good and doctor informed me that she'd have to do a rectal examination. I took my mask off as a panic attack was starting and couldn't breathe and started crying explaining I'm a ex severe rape victim.

Upon hearing this and seeing me crying doctor removed her PPE and said she felt it was stopping her supporting me and hugged me. Then when I calmed down she replaced her PPE and performed exam I just thought I'd post this as her reaction showed me doctors and nurses are actually struggling sometimes with the social distancing measures.

Ah Theodoreb I had a very similar experience pre-lockdown but with a farmers inserted into my bladder. Like you I had a massive panick attack. I didn’t tell them about my history but I guess they knew something must have happened to have such a massive reaction. The medical staff were amazingly supportive and comforting. The nurse held my hand and stroked my hair and spoke in soothing tones to me all of the time. They didn’t rush me out of the room and made sure I was ok and calm before leaving. I can’t praise them enough. It must be hard when faced with such terror.

Camera not farmer

I think anyone would panick with a farmer being inserted into their bladder!

@Theodoreb
Yes it does sound like the PPE was stopping her supporting you.

Yesterday a group of doctors and nurses sang 'Happy birthday' to a man having cancer treatment.

NHS staff are fab.

Biggrizzlybear75

Be human for 20 seconds

@Biggrizzlybear75 as someone who is having to wear Ppe while working with children. Children don't social distance easily. It becomes a barrier to you and your patients. Everything you do is harder. Trying to have a conversation with someone with a mask on can be hard never mind a more meaningful/helpful one.

I haven't done it but I completely understand why it happened. Op was obviously grateful.

This is so lovely! If you feel up to it, I'd really encourage you to write and tell them that. I've kept every card and email I've ever got, and there's been a few times when reading through them has helped remind me why I do my job at times when I've been ready to quit.

How nice to hear a positive story. Could I suggest you ring PALS to compliment the staff (they are there not only for complaints). It really does give HCP's a boost in moral

@Theodoreb
Sorry to hear you’ve been having such a bad time, that must have been a very distressing experience for you.

Hi all. Just dropping in to say we've deleted a couple of previously banned trolls from this thread.

I'm glad to see majority of people can see that this was a act of kindness and in that moment meant the world to me that she was risking herself as she didn't feel able to support me while wearing the mask.

The masks were frightening me and tbh I don't think we would have connected as well had she not done that act of kindness which greatly eased my mental distress at having the examination.

I will definitely ring pals and send in a thank you card.