"Where was the dignity and respect?"

I received an appointment for my routine Breast Screening at the mobile unit in Bolton.

As this was not a convenient location for me I requested an appointment at the Breast Unit at the hospital, which I received no problem.

When my appointment was due I was taken into a room and there were two members of staff present. I was asked a few questions then told to strip to the waist. I looked round for a cubicle or screen but there was nothing just a chair on which I could place my clothes.

One member of staff operated the machine and the other positioned me for the examination. After the screening was complete I was just told get dressed again in full view of the two members of staff. I felt a little embarrassed as I was given no privacy and was not treated with dignity or respect. The staff did try to be respectful by looking away when I dressed and undressed.

This procedure could have been extremely traumatic for some women. This could mean they may not attend their Breast Screening session in the future.

In the last month a friend also attended for her Breast Sreening appointment at the hospital and the same thing happened to her. The only difference was there was only one staff in attendance.