RC

Ru C. 4 years ago • From Google

Rating

Poor

Reception dismissal worsened needle phobia anxiety

I have been attempting to contact the practice by phone without success. I am trying to notify them that I will not be attending my scheduled blood test today following an interaction with reception staff last week. I have a significant needle phobia which is documented in my medical records and has been maintained across several practice transfers. This information is available to reception staff, and I am aware of this given my long history of blood tests due to an ongoing health condition. I was running behind schedule because of my anxiety around needles, which causes me to hesitate when attending appointments alone. I telephoned ahead to inform them I would be approximately 5 minutes late, and was told this would be acceptable, so I proceeded. Upon arrival 7 minutes past my appointment time, I waited at reception for around 6 minutes before being informed I would not be seen. I became somewhat distressed due to the anxiety I was already experiencing. I explained that I had called ahead, but was told that no such call had been logged and that all calls are always recorded. This was upsetting as I struggle with anxiety, and being contradicted made me feel accused of dishonesty. The staff member's tone felt dismissive and patronising rather than compassionate. Had the interaction been handled with kindness, I would not have become upset. When I expressed that I felt the treatment was unfair, the response was dismissive. I left the practice having been required to reschedule the test and subsequently experienced a panic attack. I will not be attending the rescheduled appointment and am planning to register with another practice. While the clinical staff were professional, I do not feel at ease returning to a place where reception staff appear indifferent to phobias and mental health concerns.

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