Hi
i attended a dermatology appointment at one of those nhs contacted out services today, run by Health Harmonie.
I have a genetic hearing loss, which affects my mid range (so speech) and wear hearing aids - the hearing loss is fairy new to me, I’ve only really had a diagnosis this year. When I went in, the dermatologist had a very strong (Eastern European if it’s relevant) accent. I explained I couldn’t hear her well and I have hearing loss, but I can lip read, please she remove her mask so I knew what she was asking? She refused to remove the mask and started shouting very loudly at me, like I was a bit stupid, rather than couldn’t hear - this didn’t help. The appointment was a bit of a disaster, and id waited 9 months for it.
I also had to undress completely, even underwear and there were no gowns or cover available. Whilst I knew she was going to have to check my moles all over, no problems, I felt really exposed, completely naked in the middle of the room. I’ve had loads of procedures before as I have several autoimmune Conditions but never, ever felt like this.
I feel a bit daft for feeling so upset, I came out feeling so stupid for not understanding. At one point at had to ask her to repeat something at least 5 times and still couldn’t get it, her nurse removed her mask and repeated it in the end.