NHS Mask Shamed/Discrimination, escalating action (thread 2)

[Maskwoes]

First thread: Mask shamed (disability), complain? (Some TMI) http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/3978398-mask-shamed-disability-complain-some-tmi

It's been almost a year since I made my original post, and the after effects are deeply ingrained in my soul. I've had my piece published in Laura Dodsworth's book "A State of Fear" too.

I complained through PALS and my concerns were escalated to a senior nurse at the MIU, where my concerns were met with pure disdain, an attitude of "fuck you, wear a mask, protect everyone, I don't give two shits about the impact on your mental health". She also wrote that any questioning regarding lack of masks would be gentler and more private - things I know have not been implemented.

I've taken legal advice to determine my legal position and I'm told I have a strong case as the MIU stance contravened governmental coronavirus regulations and the impact to my mental health is shocking. Also that my mental health conditions, including PTSD and GAD from the sexual assault, and how they affect me are enshrined as a protected characteristic (Equality Act) and their actions were in contravention of this and direct disability discrimination.

I'm about to escalate up the chain to CCG, then CQC, then sue. Why sue? Why do I feel the consuming rage to take money from the cash strapped NHS? Because it's the only language they will understand - the only thing that will force accountability and responsibility on them. I can then directly pay privately for counselling.

'Whilst they are complaining about young people/the man in Sainsburys/the kids on the train or whoever not wearing them, they feel morally superior and safe.They are doing their bit, helping Britain beat the virus.'

Bollocks. No one likes using them. They are annoying and uncomfortable. I don't feel morally superior I do however feel if we are told they help reduce transmission then we should all use them. Everytime I encounter a mask refuser they also seem to think social distancing doesn't apply to them aswell.

I think some people express righteous indignation re mask wearing.

Social distancing? Really? Do you read the news at all?

'think some people express righteous indignation re mask wearing.'

I'm not indignant at all. In the op's case, someone with extreme mental health problems I have to accept their reasons. My point is those of us that do use them, as we know it reduces transmission, do so out of a public health matter. 'Moral superiority' has absolutely nothing to do with it. HTH.

How do we know it reduces transmission?

@Nomorepies

OP is this thread you wanting us to endorse your decision to sue the NHS? IME there's little public support for this type of thing. Has it always been your intention to sue and get a payout? Perhaps you feel they owe you? Is your anger at your rapist being directed in the wrong place?

When tensions were running very high last year you encountered some HCP who weren't overly sympathetic. But put in the context of the stressful environment and unknowns of the infection, I can understand their frustration. I'm sure you came over to them as entitled and difficult.

The fact you're this angry and traumatised a year later definitely suggests you should seek counselling. But don't sue the NHS. They don't owe you anything, mistakes happen, it's part of life. Try working with a counsellor on resilience. Wish you the best.

Exactly this. You clearly need help so direct your energies into therapy not legal recourse.

@sadperson16

How do we know it reduces transmission?

A cursory Google will give you lots of data.

Anyway, we shouldn't derail the op's thread anymore. Some people think they have valid reasons for refusing to wear covers and if it needs to be challenged it should be done so in a private confidential way. This didn't allegedly happen in this instance so a letter of complaint was appropriate however talk of sueing the nhs would seem overkill.

Please don't sneer and suggest those the abide to public health guidance think they are 'morally superior' or 'indignant'. We're just doing what we all should.

@sadperson16

Ok wrap your head around this....Marks and Spencer's cafe today.Some in the queue with a mask,some not.Order coffee,made by non mask wearer.Sit at table,drink coffee,replace mask. Small plastic booths around tables. Where is 'the virus ' when I drink my coffee?

Sorry struggling to get the point or relevance of this rather boring anecdote.

@sadperson16

How do we know it reduces transmission?

If someone is standing talking to you and they have a cold do you think it is a good idea for them to cover their mouth/turn away from you? If they sneeze do you think holding a hanky over their mouth is the polite thing to do? I see it like that, even if it reduces the spread by a tiny amount per person it will add up.

The point of my boring anecdote was the absurdity of it all. A virus which disappears when you drink coffee, but reappears if you are in a pub and go to the toilet.
A virus that can be contained behing a little plastic screen in a busy store in a busy shopping centre.

However, no further derailment or sneering from me.

@JaniieJones

'Whilst they are complaining about young people/the man in Sainsburys/the kids on the train or whoever not wearing them, they feel morally superior and safe.They are doing their bit, helping Britain beat the virus.'

Bollocks. No one likes using them. They are annoying and uncomfortable. I don't feel morally superior I do however feel if we are told they help reduce transmission then we should all use them. Everytime I encounter a mask refuser they also seem to think social distancing doesn't apply to them aswell.

Well fortunately the law doesn’t agree with you and I am perfectly entitled not to wear one. I am fully vaccinated and tested weekly. That should be sufficient otherwise there is absolutely no point in vaccination. Rates may be higher again but deaths and ICU admissions are not which makes continuing restrictions completely unnecessary. The link has been broken and we need to live with it the same way as we live with flu. You may continue to wear one if you wish but you will not dictate to me what I shall do in my life.