I attended an appointment at the Leeds Fertility clinic at Seacroft Hospital and needed to have my bloods done. They have their own Phlebotomy room which I was initially impressed with.
I sat in the waiting area and heard my name called. I stood up but couldn't see anybody waiting for me, so I walked towards the corridor and saw a member of staff stood outside the Phlebotomy room door. I presumed she was the Phlebotomist and the person who had called my name so I walked over and said hello. I expected an introduction back, especially with the trust-wide "Hello my name is campaign" but all I got was "take a seat".
I sat down and expected there to be some explanation whilst my blood was taken. I am an anxious patient and the phlebotomist's lack of interpersonal skills made me feel even more anxious. They fastened the cuff around my arm and then said "sharp scratch" which was apparently their cue for putting the needle in my vein.
Only after my blood was taken did they ask me to confirm my name which I also thought was very bizarre. Surely there is a clinical risk of taking the wrong person's blood when you shout a name out by the waiting area, walk off, don't introduce yourself, don't explain what you are doing and then only check you have the right patient after the blood has been taken.
It doesn't take much to smile, introduce yourself, check you have the right patient and explain what you are doing. Also would be nice to know that the person providing your care actually cares about you. Asking "how are you?" or "are you ok?" would be a bonus!
"Lack of interpersonal skills"
About: Seacroft Hospital Seacroft Hospital Leeds LS14 6UH
Posted by Sunshine_rainbow (as ),
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