Can I request a female nurse?

[igglepiggle599]

Due to some health concerns I need to go into hospital for an intimate scan soon. I would like this scan to be performed by a female. I asked my GP surgery about this when they told me they were arranging the scan and I was told I could ask on the day but there was no guarantee this would definitely be able to happen.

I was always given to understand that if one registered a reasonable requirement in good time (i.e. not on the day of the appointment) hospitals had to comply with these requests? Or is that not the case? I don't want to be annoying or demanding but this is quite important to me.

Any advice on how I could go about asking for this would be appreciated!

Best bet is to ring the scanning place and ask them but you may end up having to wait longer .

Yeah, I'd ring the reception desk there and ask them. They are best to know who'll be in on the day.

Yes, you can request a female nurse. You can also request a chaperone to be there also.

Specify that you want a biological female nurse.

I've had transvaginal ultrasound scans and they were always carried out by female sonographers. I would call the ultrasound department and talk to them about it.

Give the department a call and explain your situation. Hopefully they can look at who is scanning on the day of your appointment and reassure you. If it is only a male available to scan then you can ask about getting rebooked and to a suitable slot with a female sonographer.

I had a trans vaginal scan by a male radiographer. He asked before starting if I was OK to go ahead and there was a female nurse in the room. I was ok with it (totally understand that you're not) and think you should call the department so they can help this be arranged in advance. Just saying there are male radiographers around.

Just think this through. What if there are enough women who have the skill you need on shift that day? Or the only one has called in sick. It can never be guaranteed and if you're absolutely not willing to have a man then you'd have to reschedule. They will try their best.