"Cardiac echo procedure"

I accompanied my 88 year old mother to have a cardiac echo last Friday at the Cardiology Department . The technician who did the procedure did not appear to have a name badge.

They did not explain what the investigation would entail or what was expected of her. The test was carried out in silence and my queries were answered with curt short replies lacking in kindness or empathy. Afterwards I asked my frail old mother what she thought of this manner and she said it was intimidating and lacked humanity.

Surely we can expect courtesy from everyone particularly those in a position of trust. Who would have helped my mother to get dresses and undressed and on to the couch if I had not been there as clearly this technician was only there to carry out a specific task.