"My mammogram experience"

About: Cannock Chase Hospital / General surgery

(as a service user),

I  recently attended my mammogram appointment. When I arrived I was asked to go into a cubicle and undress to my waist. A nurse collected me from another door. I hadn’t met them before and the first time they met me I was naked from the waist up. I know it sounds silly but I was surprised and embarrassed there wasn’t a gown to put over myself as I walked through to the examination area.

The nurse told me they had only 6 minutes to complete my mammogram and we needed to rush. Which I  completely understand as the more people who are screened the more people you are able to save. What I wasn’t prepared for was the pushing and shoving of my back and arms. I stumbled at one point and I felt really vulnerable and unable to challenge as I was naked from the waist up and the nurse was clearly rushing. This is the worst experience of a medical examination I have ever had. I left the building and had a cry in my car before driving home. 

I’m really surprised and upset at how I was treated and how it’s left me feeling. I can’t believe that anyone would want to go to work and leave someone feeling this way. I’ve never complained before but I feel so shocked at how my appointments went that I need to let you know as it might prevent someone else from going through the same experience. I have a close family who have popped round to have a cuppa with me, other people might not have this and I’d hate to think anyone is left alone feeling like this.

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Responses

Response from Christine Rock, Patient Relations Officer, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust 2 days ago
Christine Rock
Patient Relations Officer,
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Submitted on 14/03/2025 at 16:05
Published on Care Opinion at 16:05


Thank you very much for taking the time to post comments regarding your patient experience.

I am sorry for any distress this matter has caused. To enable us to look further into your concerns, I would be grateful if you could contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01902 695362 or rwh-tr.PALS@nhs.net who can assist further.

Kindest regards

Alison Dowling

Associate Director of Patient Relations

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