Confidential?

[ilovejared]

I work at a hospital, today I was going through some results and had to hand over some paperwork to a patient. The results in this case were not good, I didnt realise who the patient was until she was stood in front of me.

It was my ex's girlfriend, we are civil to each other but not exactly best of mates! how do I react when I next see her (tomorow as they pick the kids up for the weekend). Do I completely disregard the fact that I know and say nothing or do I offer my sympathy as such (she's not dying or anything)? she knows I know, is it rude to act as if nothing has happened or sensible?

Say nothing. It doesn't matter that she knows you know, professionalism calls for discretion. Obviously if she mentions it be sympathetic otherwise say nothing.

when I had an abortion the care assiatant turned out to be someone I was at school with. I could tell from her face that she recognized me and I recognized her but she carried on as if I did not kno her and so did I.

It is best to let her make the contact of the other reltionship not you. Her feelings are more important here so the lead should be up to her.

Just act as if nothing happened unless she raises it herself.

Even though it seems false iykwim, you need to keep your work and personal life completely separate in these situations.

I've worked in hospitals and even though I'm not clinical staff have been in the position where I've met people I know in situations where I then know something about their medical condition or treatment that they'd rather I didn't know. Best all round just to not mention it at all.

I am in a similar situation at work the best advice I can give is in your own time you are entitled to act do as you wish with regard to this person within the law of course.At work you must act professionally and treat her like any other person you come across in your working day and go through all the routines in the same manner.Sometimes when personal and work collide we have to work harder to seperate the two if you are really going to struggle with this ask if someone else could be allocated to this person if possible.
Hope this helps
jo

Have been in same position as shonaspurtle and fwiw totally agree with her comments.