hospital appointment

Thank you for all the helpful suggestions. I will ask him to write things down for me as trying to get through to his secretary is very difficult. I want to discuss the medication i am taking which is why i was concerned.

My doctor told me about an (anonymous) English elderly gentleman patient - who refused any hospital appointments without an interpreter.

He just didn't see the point of going if he couldn't understand 'English with an accent'!

I’ve had six hospital appointments in the last six weeks and another next week. I felt perfectly safe, just bored out of my skull waiting waiting waiting.
Every time I was subjected to the same unpleasant tests, although the results could not have changed from one time to the next. The bureaucracy demanded Step 1 then Step 2 then Step 3 even when I’d been there only four days before.
As always, excellent clinical care, hopeless administration.

He may be wearing a higher grade mask that protects him as well as you - I think writing down and drawing pictures is an obvious solution but you really must get onto the hospital ASAP to alert them to the problem - don’t just leave it to the day itself - that’s not fair

I have been in and out of the hospital (mostly visiting) since the beginning of the pandemic and have felt safe.

What can one do? If you don't attend an appointment, you could be storing up trouble of a different kind.

Regarding hearing your Consultant, I would contact the hospital and explain your concerns.

travelsafar
I was very apprehensive about an appointment I had this week but I felt safe when I went. Although I took my own mask, I wasn't allowed to wear it as the staff at the door asked me to wear a disposable hospital one.
Phone the consultant's secretary and explain about needing to lip read and they will have plans in place as this prbably arises with other patients too.

Just let the staff know. It might be a good idea to write it on a bit of paper so you can just show it to them. E.g. "I'm very deaf and need to lip read - could you lower your mask for me please."

This is a common problem and the staff will do their best to help.

Do as Marydoll suggested and phone ahead. I get anxious about this type of thing, and I always find that it helps to be proactive.
I'm sure that the staff will reassure you.
The hospital might have a supply of those masks with a see through panel that your consultant could wear.

I’ve had scans and consultations all safety precautions in place. But my DH will shortly go in for an operation. Has anybody had one recently? I’m obviously concerned.

You will be in a very safe place in the hospital. I volunteer in our Outpatient's cafe, run by the WRVS (sorry RVS now) and see it first hand. Though I have to admit being apprehensive about going back after Lock down 1.
The hearing problem has already been addressed by two sensible suggestions, though our hospital won't let us get away with just a visor, we have to have a mask underneath. You have the right to ask for a translator so ask for a nurse to be with you (if you don't already have one) it's quite normal.
Tell someone, firmly, that your deafness however slight, gets in the way of understanding your consultant. Everyone wants to be helpful.

First don’t worry about being in the hospital they are so aware of the needed safety that they are very safe places to go
Second ask if he can wear a visor for your visit he may be anyway but no harm in checking
I m sure all will be well

My 94 year old neighbour who is completely deaf got the consultant to write it down and draw pictures.

I don’t know if it will be allowed, but can you explain that you lip read and can he remove his mask?
His mask is worn for your protection and if you are willing to take the risk that should be ok.
You will still be wearing yours for his protection from you.
It is a difficult situation for you and you have my sympathy.

Phone his secretary prior to the appointment and explain your concerns. At the appointment, also alert the charge nurse at the clinic.

ask him to wear a visor