Nurses refusing to do contraceptive injection - trigeminal neuralgia

[Contraceptiveproblem]

I don't know if my name change has worked but if it has and anyone has an issue MN can confirm this is real and I've spoken about my exemption before, I idn't put about face covering exemption in title as I don't want a pile on. I regularly (including throughout lockdown as I cannot switch to the pill due to interaction with meds I'm already on) have the contraceptive injection. I called to book it for next week to be told nurses are refusing to see any patients without a face covering and that it would have to be a doctor - that's fine. I am exempt from wearing a face covering as I have a brain tumor causing severe trigeminal neuralgia so can't have anything touching my face, and cannot wear a shield because I have a scar from brain surgery up the right side of my head which I cannot have any pressure on. I have posted about this on threads before. It's very difficult and I rarely go anywhere that would require one if I don't desperately need to as I know what people think. I've received a phone call this morning from the nurse who advised they won't be doing it. I can't wear any type of face covering even though I would much prefer to. Any pressure on my face or head can cause me to fit, wet myself, at worst and at best leave me in agony in my face and head for days and weeks afterwards. As it happens the meds which mean I can't change my contraceptive are actually the ones that treat the neuralgia so they are fully aware of it, they were my GP throughout my tumor and other diagnosis'. I'm happy for a doctor to do it as was suggested yesterday - but for some reason they told me that and went to speak to their manager to arrange it, but all I have been given is a call back from a nurse to tell me the nurse won't do it. I couldn't actually speak to the nurse as they were busy so they read the notes which said that they won't do it, it wasn't clear if this means the nurses won't (fine) or nobody will (not fine). I have extremely heavy painful periods which made me anemic and faint, and the injection stops them completely which is why I'm on it in the first place as it was the only option that wouldn't be affected by my current meds. Surely they can't refuse me access to care because I am legally exempt? I don't know what I can do about this?

Oh FFS. The aggro on this is just totally ridiculous.
I think this is a case where you need to get access to a doctor and then they'll just do it. If you can't speak to one (sounds like the reception is 'gating' access) make an appointment (make up something else if you have to) and then ask the doctor. It's likely that the doctor will then just do it - they might be a bit 'uh I don't do these and don't really know how to' but it's hardly rocket science.
Cannot believe such a non issue as a mask is causing such stress. I realise that everyone's opinion differs - if you can wear a mask wear a mask, not because it makes much of a difference but because it shows respect for everyone else around you, if you can't wear a mask (or visor or scarf) for a specific reason get a sunflower lanyard and don't.
Socially distancing is more effective anyway.
If your TN is managed by hospital ask your consultant to help - they might be willing to ring the GP up and give them an earful.
Good luck and don't feel you have to justify yourself to strangers on the internet.

I work in A&E and have seen loads of patients not wearing masks for a variety of reasons. They gave all had the treatment and care they require

• if you can't wear a mask (or visor or scarf) for a specific reason get a sunflower lanyard and don't. Socially distancing is more effective anyway. *

The lanyards are pointless sadly. People wearing them are not believed by a section of society and get grief. It's a no win situation.

Thanks to everyone being supportive, sorry I haven't replied earlier I'm so tired. Half feel like I need to justify myself as I know people can't possibly understand how serious the problem is (I'd never heard of it until I got it!) and half just fed up of it. So true @PhilCornwall1 I have a lanyard and nobody cares, it's not official. Anyone could make one. I wish the gov would've put something in place to prove exemptions but again that's another strain on doctors and funding I suppose.

Practice manager called me back today, they haven't found anyone 'willing' to do it yet. Theres a GP that they think might be happy to do it next Friday who will be in tomorrow so they're going to ask in the morning. I had to switch from glasses to contacts because I was unable to wear them because of them touching my temple and behind my ear otherwise I would just wear a visor :( In regards to how do I do other things - the short answer is I don't. If I have dental treatment it has to be with local anaesthetic but carefully and lightly touching my teeth with my toothbrush isn't an issue, the pain isn't inside my mouth it's in my facial nerves, it's hard to explain. Also one side of my face doesn't have pain. It's just the side where my tumor is. I sleep on the other side of my face with no pillow, take extremely heavy painkillers and sleeping tablets and still wake up in pain most nights if I've moved. @AwaAnBileYerHeid Thank you that's a great idea for the future, after seeing your message I asked when she rang about having it on one ear (the side not affected) and holding the rest in front of my face without it and she said no it has to be on both your ears to create a seal (I know what they mean but I tried?!) Which is just ridiculous really. I don't know what outcome they're actually expecting. This has been going on since Monday now. If I was faking (which they obviously could see I'm not if they looked at my records) I'd be pretty stupid to still not have given up by now and just accepted it and worn one for 5 minutes when it looks like I won't be getting an appointment.

@Contraceptiveproblem you shouldn't have to be explaining the exact nature of your difficulty with wearing a mask. It's enough that you have a reason that you can't wear a mask. You are entitled to medical care.

Hi it sounds difficult. If it was me I think I'd

1. Ask if they can do it in the car park, various things have been done in drive throughs so we they do it if you can just poke your arm out?
2. Can you hold something in front of your face? Back at the start of the first lockdown I had an appointment but wasn't told to wear a mask, to be fair I didn't have one then, so when I said I hadn't got one they gave me some of the stuff they used to cover the examination beds, I just held it in front of my face. Might that work for you and them?

I hope you can sort something out. Good luck.

Sorry @Arrowcat just reading through and missed your reply. Yes still under my neurosurgeon and neurologist so good shout!

Just thought I have seen one of the doctors at our local surgery leaning out of a window to do something, not sure if it was an injection or blood test as I didn't want to be nosy.

How about the local pharmacist? They do flu jabs but I don't know if they could do contraceptive.

How about the local pharmacist? They do flu jabs but I don't know if they could do contraceptive.

I've got to say, pharmacies have been brilliant over this year. When masks became mandatory I phoned mine to ask if it was ok to come in. The response I had was "you getting your medication is far more important to us than a mask, you are more than welcome to come in".

Some GP surgeries need to take note.

I’m sorry you’re having this issue OP.

I’m secondary care and we see and treat LOTS of patients without masks. They tell us they are exempt and we have to accept that.

I hope you get sorted, I would write to practice manager and copy to the CCG that you have been refused care due to them refusing a reasonable adjustment due to your disability.

That's awful. I'm a community nurse and we wear a mask and visor. If they are wearing their full ppe then it shouldn't be a problem. I see patients day in and day out without masks and don't mind at all as I have mine on! I would definitely complain about this.

I am a practice nurse. We have been advised that surgeries cannot refuse treatment if a patient declines to wear a mask. If we, the PNs do not wish to put ourselves at risk by treating a patient without face coverings, we are to refer onto another clinician- their GP who will see and treat them- in this case give the Depo injection.

I’m really shocked to hear their complete refusal to give your depo.

I’m a nurse practitioner. I’m giving depo regularly, as well as doing a billion other things. I see 20-30 patients a day on average. Very very few don’t or can’t wear a mask, and those that don’t still receive the same care as any other patient.

I’m wearing a mask, and if a patient is mask less I may wear a visor too.

Our surgery is a cold surgery, so anyone with fever or symptoms won’t be allowed entrance anyway so my risk is relatively low. I still have a job to do and whilst it’s important for me to be cautious and constantly risk assess I have a responsibility to my patients too.

Your surgery is being over cautious and IMO negligent. They are failing to provide care they are contracted to do.

The nurse has to protect her own health and that is her right, IMO.

Perhaps the nurse is particularly high risk for whatever reason. It would be helpful if they could find a colleague willing to do it tho but I support that particular nurses right to be safe at work tbh.

Thanks for all the suggestions and support. Not sure on pharmacist but I can ask, they've never had an issue when I've gone to pick up my medication. @gypsywater well, thank god that under disability discrimination laws your opinion holds no weight otherwise I and other people with serious illnesses would be screwed!

Typed that before your second reply - yes the individual nurse could have a reason, but for it to be an across the board no from all nurses is ridiculous really. What if it was something that could only be done by a nurse? I've stated throughout I'm happy for it to be done by someone else. It's the ringing round in circles with no answers and not actually being able to speak to anyone who doesn't just tell me a point blank no that is the main issue here, I don't know whether I'm coming or going!

No probs, not bothered what you think of my opinion

I would write to practice manager and copy to the CCG that you have been refused care due to them refusing a reasonable adjustment due to your disability.

Yes, this. If you're getting nowhere on the phone it's time to put things in writing. Ask for a response in writing as well. It's amazing how often that focuses people's minds on their obligations and if it doesn't, you have the start of a paper trail which will help you if you need to escalate.

I have the depo and have had some problems getting it pre depo. When we didn't have a practice nurse and no docs appointments they gave me the prescription and I picked it up and took it to minor injuries. They were not impressed but did the injection. GPs can do it and I have had two of ours do it.

This is a crazy situation for you and not necessary.

OP this is awful. I work in health care and cant believe they are allowed to withhold your treatment. Ive only read your replies but a few possible options come to mind....could a pharmacist administer the jab? A district nurse? A nurse friend that would be happy to give?

Do you think you could wear one of these? Away from the temple area ? At my work as long os the client is wearing a face covering it doesnt matter what type. It could even be a scarf! www.amazon.co.uk/Snood-Face-Mask-Snoods-Women/dp/B08L28841V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&psc=1&crid=3UDYJIV3J1N1K&keywords=snood&sprefix=Snoo%2Caps%2C326&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNUZFUFc1NlY1RFpVJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTQ3MDc4Mkk1MEI5VU4zNUFMQiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzc5NTQxMlowNlhTN0xQMzQwSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1605209260&sr=8-1-spons

I would also ask in any letter what has changed. If they have given you the injection before during COVID why is it more risky now? What % of patients are being refused. Many GPS have a Patient Group that can be quite involved.

I do hope you find a solution tho OP. I'm sure there will be an HCP who will do it for you.

And I don't know if this helps but I have the contraceptive injection for other reasons than contraception and this is on my records. They may be using the fact that contraception is not urgent or essential, you can abstain. My GP has done mine without question because I have other issues.

As a PN I have a choice whether to protect myself, just like you have a choice whether to wear a mask or not.
I don't think this is 'ridiculous'.