"The hospital should provide a more private area to wait"

I was referred for xray to my lower back having experienced pain and mobility problems.

I was asked to undress and don a gown in a cubicle, keep my own clothes with me in a basket (provided) and wait in the open waiting area until called. I made a face and said I was not comfortable about sitting in a hospital gown and my ankle boots in the very busy waiting room, so a very friendly nurse suggested I sit just down the corridor from the cubicles which was slightly more private. I do think it is important to consider a patient's feelings about modesty.

At the age of 67 despite being a confident and outgoing lady, I am no longer a young woman and have more dignity than I used to have! I appreciate that the department was very busy and I am grateful for that friendly nurse, with whom I had a nice chat whilst waiting, but I feel that when the x-ray requires the patient to undress, the hospital should provide a more private area for them to wait.

Having said all that, the treatment I received was excellent and the outcome was more than satisfactory - it appears that the problem is due to age-related osteoarthritis which I can now manage with my GP's help.