Allow Male Workers to perform mammograms and breast screening

[CrakdEgg]

OK, so the Society & College of Radiographers have their annual delegates conference, where members bring forward motions for the union to lobby on.
In the past they have passed motions to 'remove gendered language' from health communications for inclusivity - you know, 'pregnant people' and the like. They then lobby behind the scenes to the Government to follow these requests.

This year we have this motion -

Allow Male Workers to Perform Mammograms

Workforce shortages: there are 15 posts for mammographers on NHS jobs. In the UK.

But are we bothered? Do we not want males in this space, or does it not matter because we have male gynaecologists? Or will it dissuade women from attending?

I am interested to hear other people's opinions. My instincts say 'no way Jose', but I am interested in keeping males out of female spaces, so I accept my bias.

Thoughts?

@Blinkyy Yeah - cos that’s the same 🙄

When was your last mammogram?

i hardly think deciding who you consent to touch your body is ‘going off in a huff’. Women are allowed boundaries- I know it’s been terribly unfashionable lately but thankfully common sense is coming back. No women should be forced to have a male touch them in order to get medical treatment

Its easy to forget that breast screening is a service that we all pay for, it should be something that meets the needs of the patient.

Women shouldn't have to put up with a subpar experience or something to be endured because management cant solve a staffing problem.

No.

I've never done any of those things. I'll pass on men carrying out routine medical procedures thanks.

Half of GPs are men -how do you all cope?

Why should any woman have to attend a different setting? This might mean a much longer drive, or public transport might not be possible. All to accommodate a man? No, not acceptable.

If one of my male patients requested a male HCP, then it would mean them having to attend a different setting. Most of the mobile mammogram units in my local area require the attendee to get there via car and non is accessible for wheelchair users, which is a whole other issue !
As I said, I absolutely defend anyone's right to refuse treatment from any HCP for any reason.

Ridiculous comparison 😀

Mostly passers by don't grab hold of your breast and move it around. Unless I've been sunbathing wrong.

1. GPs don’t carry out mammograms.
2. I request a female GP if it’s a intimate procedure.

Says a man.

Generally GPs don’t squish breasts.

Most things don’t even require physical contact - and when they do there are plenty of female GPs.

Slightly different to someone physically Sumo wrestling your boobs between two cold ironing presses!

Not sure how your examples are relevant!

I’d be fine with it.

Last time I had a mammogram, I had to have an ultrasound on my breasts that was also pretty invasive and painful. Ultrasound technician was a man.

Appreciate many women will not be fine with it, and they should be able to say no. However, if some women are ok with this, it may help reduce vacancies and bring down waiting lists.

@Blinkyy ypu haven’t said when your last mammogram was. Have you actually had one?

I’ve got a routine mammogram on Saturday and my letter makes a point that the staff will be female. Whilst I would accept a man doing it if it was the only option, I’d much prefer a woman.

Those who have an intimate female problem request a female doctor if required. How do you think they cope?

ive had breast cancer -last mammo of many was November

Then you should know better than to post such tripe.

Yep if it’s an intimate issue I see the female doc. If not then I see whoever. Easy.

My understanding is that a chaperone is a medical professional for example an HCA. I was not aware a receptionist could act in this role.

We book to see a female GP. My surgery has 3. I live in rural Herefordshire. I've never had a smear done by a man. If I have an issue to do with something intimate I book to see a woman. Our surgery would offer a same day appointment with a female doctor.

Can’t say I’m bothered as long as there’s a chaperone as there usually is.

I’ve had many male gynaes, I think women should have the choice to say no if they want

It is your decision and no one should tell you you “must” do something you’re not happy about.

honestly though I did not find it as bad as people here describe. I was also worried as I’d heard nightmare tales about being squashed, painful, undignified etc.

the reality as I said earlier was fine. I found it less problematic than the midwives manhandling me rudely when I was attempting to breastfeed.

it was very respectful and gentle, and the staff as much as possible allowed me to stay covered and were very discreet.

don’t let this thread put you off- remember most posters have an agenda here…

Absolutely no fucking way, and I've never accepted any sort of intimate care from a man either. I realise I'm fortunate not to have needed any gynaecological intervention so far, and I don't know what I'll do if/when I do and I'm presented with a male doctor.