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Original poster

Uncomfortable experience at donor centre

30 replies

DonorQuestion · 05/12/2024 18:15

Hi all. NC as I don't want this linked to my other threads.

I'm a regular blood donor and wanted to get some view on something that happened yesterday.

The staff member who was setting me up for donation reached under my arm without warning to apply the BP cuff and I felt what I can only describe as unnecessary touching of my breast. It really shocked me and felt wrong.

I have donated for years and had BP cuffs applied many times throughout my life but never experienced this. The man then stood very close while he was cleaning the needle site, so his groin was against my arm until I moved it.

It felt wrong at the time and still does. Should I let them know? WWYD?

OP posts:
Destiny123 · 05/12/2024 18:16

100%. Totally inappropriate! Sorry you had thst experience when trying to help

EmpressaurusKitty · 05/12/2024 18:16

Absolutely let them know. Otherwise he can carry on.

Notquitegrownup2 · 05/12/2024 18:19

Yes, please do report. There is no shame in speaking out. If it was deliberate (sounds it) then you will be helping a lot of other women. If it wasn't, then at the very least he can be retrained in appropriate awareness of others . . .

Original poster
DonorQuestion · 05/12/2024 18:42

Thank you for the kind replies. I’m a pretty level-headed person but have been second guessing myself on this so it’s really helpful to get your perspectives.

The other thing he did that was odd was ask me several questions (what my job is, who I would be spending Christmas with) and then started talking about his various freelance jobs. It was odd because once you are set up you’re usually left in peace. I’ve never had one of the staff stay like this. I closed my eyes so he would cut it short. Wondering if it is new training - make small talk to relax donors.

OP posts:
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr · 05/12/2024 18:45

Definitely complain. In the unlikely event this wasn't on purpose, he will be taught how to behave appropriately. More likely though, you won't be the only one to complain and your evidence will help to clarify that he's sexually assaulting female donors. I'm sorry this happened to you.

BathTangle · 05/12/2024 18:53

From another regular donor, please do report - even if it wasn't deliberate (although it sounds pretty clear that it was), he needs to be told very firmly that this is not appropriate.

NoSquirrels · 05/12/2024 18:54

Ergh. Yes, do report it.

I’ve had chatty nurses, but that’s usually whilst they’re setting up - as you say, once everything is flowing they usually move on to another task (or sometimes chat amongst themselves). The fact he mentioned other ‘freelance jobs’ makes me think he’s maybe not a permanent member of the blood donation staff, just a temp - which could either mean he needs more training or that he’s able to get away with inappropriate touching because he’s working with different staff in different settings a lot.

There’s absolutely no need for him to have got that close or touched your breast - I’ve never once felt at all uncomfortable. You know it’s not right as you’ve donated before and know the drill. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut on this.

Original poster
DonorQuestion · 05/12/2024 19:37

Thank you all so much for your perspectives and support. I really appreciate it.

OP posts:
Original poster
DonorQuestion · 12/12/2024 17:33

Hello all... an update

I called the NHS Blood team and spoke to an amazing lady who listened, took me seriously and was very helpful. She read the notes back to me to check everything was correct. I felt absolutely 'heard' and trust that they will follow up.

I did say on the call that it may be he just needs more training and there was a pause before she said 'I think you're being very generous'.

I will keep donating, of course.

Thanks for all your feedback on this, which helped clarify that I should definitely make the call. 🌟

OP posts:
EmpressaurusKitty · 12/12/2024 17:37

DonorQuestion · 12/12/2024 17:33

Hello all... an update

I called the NHS Blood team and spoke to an amazing lady who listened, took me seriously and was very helpful. She read the notes back to me to check everything was correct. I felt absolutely 'heard' and trust that they will follow up.

I did say on the call that it may be he just needs more training and there was a pause before she said 'I think you're being very generous'.

I will keep donating, of course.

Thanks for all your feedback on this, which helped clarify that I should definitely make the call. 🌟

Huge applause, @DonorQuestion. You’ve done a brilliant job.

ExquisiteDecorations · 12/12/2024 17:38

Well done and I'm glad to hear they took your report so seriously. While I do still get the occasional one that stays around and chats when it's quiet that is very rare nowadays (was the norm when I first started) and the rest of it was totally unacceptable.

EmpressaurusKitty · 12/12/2024 17:46

I’m used to a bit of cheery distracting chat while they’re setting up, but never anything personal.

Original poster
DonorQuestion · 12/12/2024 18:13

Yes, she was very interested in the information he shared about his freelance work.

As an aside, he was really bad at inserting the needle, too. But I guess that can happen every now and then.

OP posts:
BathTangle · 12/12/2024 18:52

Thank you for taking the time to do this: there will be many future donors who have been protected by your actions.

2025willbemytime · 12/12/2024 18:58

This is a good result.

I had to report a service engineer who came to my home and was outrageously inappropriately behaved. I rang to book the return visit and said he's not to come to my house again. We talked some more then she said he's down to not attend you home. I said yes, I just told you that. She said no, it's already in place. I knew when I opened the door there was something about him but couldn't place it. So they sent him again even though told not to. They immediately changed their systems so that can't happen again - clearly not the first time as she wasn't shocked when I said I didn't want this guy back. He was spoken to but unfortunately having had a good response from a manager they won't tell me what they said or what the consequences were and he got quite snappy in the email.

Another time I reported an osteopath who touched me appropriately and the receptionist said he's always been fine with me. I then told another osteopath not realising he was her husband. I then told another member of staff. Clearly nothing was going to be done so we don't go there anymore and I spent a lot of money there.

Footle · 13/12/2024 08:13

@2025willbemytime , you were reporting the osteopath yo the wrong people. If you look at his name on the clinic website, his qualifications will be listed after his name, including the initials of the professional body he belongs to. Report it to them.

Stormyweatheroutthere · 13/12/2024 08:22

I think it's great that you reported. I had a bad experience at a mammogram.. 3 years later I found a lump. A harmless cyst (well 3!).. But I missed an appointment due to a very out of order nurse.... I have another one soon and if there are any issues I will report this time...

DrZaraCarmichael · 13/12/2024 08:23

I have never been made to feel uncomfortable like that and you should absolutely report the way he put the blood pressure cuff on. I'm glad that you felt heard by the blood services.

However on hte chatting - more subjective. I domate regularly at a community session in Scotland and always have a good chat while lying on the bed with the needle in my arm, the donor carers are probably told to chat to donors and put them at ease, at this time of year it is natural to talk about Christmas. I think it's probably a skill which is inherent and some people are just better than others at gauging who wants to chat and who wants to just lie there. Not just when giving blood, in many other situations too.

Littlefish · 13/12/2024 09:10

DonorQuestion · 05/12/2024 18:42

Thank you for the kind replies. I’m a pretty level-headed person but have been second guessing myself on this so it’s really helpful to get your perspectives.

The other thing he did that was odd was ask me several questions (what my job is, who I would be spending Christmas with) and then started talking about his various freelance jobs. It was odd because once you are set up you’re usually left in peace. I’ve never had one of the staff stay like this. I closed my eyes so he would cut it short. Wondering if it is new training - make small talk to relax donors.

Well done for reporting it. It sounds like your concern was taken seriously.

Just on your point about him staying close by for your whole donation - I gave blood 2 weeks ago and the technicians were just setting people up and then carrying on to the next person. My technician came back a couple of times to check on me and the blood flow, but definitely didn't stay with me, or anyone else.

2025willbemytime · 13/12/2024 14:24

Footle · 13/12/2024 08:13

@2025willbemytime , you were reporting the osteopath yo the wrong people. If you look at his name on the clinic website, his qualifications will be listed after his name, including the initials of the professional body he belongs to. Report it to them.

It's been a few years now so I wonder if I can.

DrZaraCarmichael · 13/12/2024 14:27

It's not uncommon for them to stay close - when I give blood the centre is set up with two beds at right angles to each other, member of staff for each pair of beds, they stay right there between the two donors. Usually try to time it so that one is finishing by the time the next arrives.

Every centre will be different but what's important is that the OP recognised it wasn't right for her, given her previous experience and it made her uncomfortable.

Original poster
DonorQuestion · 27/11/2025 18:59

Update: I gave blood again last week and he was there!!!

I've been back to the same donor centre 2-3 times since this happened and never seen him, so assumed he was removed from the role.

I was really shocked. Those of you who donate will know that you don't get to choose who does your iron test, sets you up or removes needle at end. It could be three different people. So I was thinking fast about what to say if it was him (my plan was to ask for a female assistant).

Luckily I had one lovely lady for everything as it was quiet.

Not sure what to do now. Do I call them back? Or trust that they have retrained/disciplined him and they consider him appropriate to continue in the role?

OP posts:
KateShugakIsALegend · 27/11/2025 19:03

I think all you can do is call and say you were surprised see him there and you would like confirmation / a review to ensure that all proper process was followed.

Minty25 · 27/11/2025 19:05

I had one odd person attending to me at a donor session. She was completely oversharing about personal stuff and admitting to trying to order weight loss drugs in her own name for a teenage relative. Really unprofessional as I certainly hadn't brought up the subject of weight loss jabs ! The last time I went another odd person ( donor this time) was just asking other donors personal questions, oversharing etc. Surprised the staff didn't tell her to stop bothering others, it can already be a stressful time. Sorry you had a bad experience and glad it hasn't put you off donating again.

bibbadee · 27/11/2025 19:10

I agree with PP. I’d email and follow up asking for confirmation that your complaint had been dealt with