I had to go for bloodwork this week. I was so disheartened yesterday to turn up at Labcorp and notice the person at the intake desk had her mask below her chin as she dealt with a patient. (They have installed shields but it’s all the same air. ) I left .
I returned this morning - same thing! One below the chin, the other below her nose. Argh! I asked why they don’t have them on properly, and how I was supposed to feel safe? Didn’t really have an answer of course, didn’t apologize either. And I like these women! They eventually obliged but it really makes me mad. If we can’t be safe in that setting, wth?! Am I the only experiencing this? Do you speak up? I don’t feel comfortable doing that but NO ONE else out of at least a dozen others, said anything.
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I think you should complain to someone ‘higher up’ if you feel strongly about it because as soon as you leave they’ll probably pull the masks down again and not everyone likes to cause a fuss or say anything
They’ve certainly improved their act where I go for my tests but to start with they were very casual...no masks gloves aprons or anything
Yes yesterday I sent an anonymous online complaint which I too-late realized was going to be useless. I don’t exactly want them to get into trouble because they are always good workers and friendly but then again......they’re creating an unnecessary risk with the lack of proper mask use , hence my dilemma. I guess I was also disappointed that no one else visiting complained because that would make them feel more compelled to follow the guidelines!
I know what you mean...I had a similar dilemma a year or so ago when my denosumab injection was given incorrectly...in muscle instead of under the skin...I had bad bruising and probably the injection didn’t work but it couldn’t be repeated in case some of the drug was absorbed
I complained after pondering for a few days as like you I didn’t want to get the nurse into trouble as I like her and she’s kind...I told my oncologist this but she wanted the name of the nurse etc and I felt terrible....but as she pointed out this nurse could be doing the injections wrongly on other patients without them necessarily being aware
They’re not your friends...they’re healthcare workers and should be following the rules...harsh but true!!
I’ve had similar situations to both u and Barb with my Zoladex shot. Also with lack of PPE in the center at various times....We don’t want to be the big meany/complainer but sometimes things need said for everyone’s benefit.
Hi,
You did the right thing by speaking up. Perhaps the other people waiting in line were thinking the same thing, but were afraid to say anything. We are all human and make mistakes, but why not wear the mask properly? What good will it do hanging on your chin? I have cloth masks, so I make sure I wash them after use before putting them back in my handbag. Every time I go to the health clinic, my GP surgery, or the hospital doctors, nurses, phlebotomists and other staff are wearing masks, gloves, aprons, the works. It is just something we have to get used to. After all, lives are at stake. We don't want to contract this virus on top of having cancer, and nor do we want to infect anyone else.
Thanks you your responses. Yes I knew it was best for all for me to speak up but I guess I wish I didn’t find it so difficult. I felt there was at least one person who seemed glad (though hard to tell with mask!) that I had brought it up. I just felt the need to reach out to all of you - knew you would understand my frustration better than anyone else!
I am so happy you spoke up. You could be saving yourself from infection, and anybody else you come in contact with. I am one of those people who speak up, and advocate for my family, and loved ones. Because of my advocacy. I have (2) loved ones who have asked me to be their Medical Proxy. I don't think I can handle anyone else asking at this point in time. I will always advocate for all of my loved ones, just not any additional ones at this time on paper., unless it is totally necessary. Kudo's to you for speaking up for yourself, and anyone else who may have been afraid to speak up.
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