"Cardiorespiratory - needs to be more patient..."

I'd like to give some feedback on my recent visit to cardiorespiratory for a 24 hour BP monitor. First of all, the staff were really miserable and unapproachable. I'll expand on this in a moment. Essentially, I was anxious (not that they'd have noticed), but their unapproachable demeanour did nothing to reassure me. When I returned the unit, this is the one-sided conversation that occurred: Me: Hiya, I'd like to hand in this 24 hour BP monitor please Receptionist: *points to a box* Me: Could you please sign my yellow form, as proof of receipt? Receptionist: *takes paper and signs it* Me: Thanks a lot Receptionist: *forces a really fake half smile* Now, when was it ever acceptable to not speak one word to a patient in this situation? It was really rude and not acceptable. Second, the letter asked me to return the unit at the same time the next day. This sounded like I had to wait to see a technician or something. So, having got to the hospital early, to get a parking space, I had to kill time to go in and return the unit at exactly the same time as I'd picked it up the day earlier. if I'd known I only had to dump it in a tray next to the miserable receptionist, I could have saved myself a lot of time. Maybe that could be made more explicit in the letter. Third, I still find it incredible that results aren't sent to the patient. In 2014, this should be standard practice. Are we not supposed to be involved in our own care? This is happening in other countries and it's time we caught up. We, as patients, are more interested than you realise and are capable of understanding far more than you realise. Finally, I don't think you should be recommending people drive in these units. Mine triggered on the way home and I suddenly couldn't bend my arm enough to turn the steering wheel on my car. Consequently, I clipped the kerb and damaged my tyre. Luckily, it was only a kerb. The whole experience was very frustrating and I felt totally like a number; there was no attempt at all to make me feel like a person, let alone an individual. It's time these people stepped back and actually thought about what it's like to be a patient in their departments. What seems logical and acceptable to them, might not be so for the patient. Unless we speak out, you will never know, though I'm not convinced anyone actually acts upon these comments.