Had my first healthcare worker refuse to mask for me. I’ve had many scoff, make accusations of “anxiety” or wear their mask wrong… but this was my first outright “no”.
My chart is documented that I’m immune compromised & require staff to mask. The facility had a policy that if asked, staff will wear.
I was told “no I need to breathe to do my job”. I stood firm & said I’m high risk and masks are required.
They declined again and said they’re “claustrophobic”.
I said “I’m sorry to hear that but you work in healthcare. Being able to wear a mask is a requirement of your job. Please put one on before coming near me” A firm no. They refused to check my chart. Refused to show concern or empathy.
What I did next not all patients would be comfortable with, but I was there for a test that meant this HCW would be up close in my face for an extended time. I was also visibly sick and had already passed out once due to low blood pressure. Putting me at risk for their own comfort was NOT ok.
I said “no one comes near me without a mask. If you’re unwilling to accommodate my disability, go find me someone who is”
They were NOT happy. Stormed out and came back with another HCW who was wearing a mask.
When they returned they refused to leave the room. I asked repeatedly and said I was uncomfortable with them remaining and didn’t want extra people around for the exam. They said I was being “unreasonable”. They remained in the room, maskless, watching me undergo a sensitive exam.
at that point I just wanted the test over with so I could leave. I was exhausted, disappointed and felt utterly disrespected. Everyone who works in a hospital setting is required to be able to Don and doff a mask. If this person genuinely couldn’t, they shouldn’t be seeing patients
When I went to leave I told them, firmly but politely, that if they genuinely can’t do such a small thing to protect the most vulnerable patients they should reconsider working in healthcare. I’ve never seen someone sneer like that. I thought flames would shoot out of their ears
I asked for their full name to lodge an official complaint and they refused. It’s hard to believe this is where we’re at. Before Covid I never had a healthcare worker refuse to mask. I also noticed this HCW wasn’t wearing gloves when the others were.
I took detailed notes the moment I exited the hospital so that I could lodge a complaint without the name, but the entire experience robbed me of spoons and energy. Not every chronically ill patient would be able to lodge a complaint or push for a masked HCW the way I was. Nor should we have to.
This interaction will feature prominently in my next article about masks in healthcare.
I need all HCWs to understand the tremendous privilege and responsibility they have to their patients. We are putting our lives in your hands. Your comfort or personal politics must be left outside the hospital.
If you missed the first article in the series, you can read it here:
https://www.disabledginger.com/p/a-plea-to-maskless-healthcare-workers
If you’ve already sent some emails demanding consistent mask coverage in healthcare year-round, why not join us to flood the lines with calls as well? 
![Blue, yellow and black graphic with text at the top that reads: Call your MLA (and other Policymakers). There is a picture of a person in an N95 mask, holding up a cell phone to their ear with a speech bubble that reads: Hello, this is --- from postal code ---. I'm calling to ask that you help keep and improve mask requirements in BC healthcare as we head into spring. Without consistent mask protections, and the addition of [consistent implementation / N95 masks for airborne illnesses / coverage in private medical settings], I can't safely access healthcare. You can learn more at DoNoHarmBC.ca. [There's no need to call me back / please call me back at ---.]. Get phone numbers: DoNoHarmBC.ca/contact-list. DoNoHarm BC logo at the top right.](https://media.zeroes.ca/media_attachments/files/114/186/896/996/365/701/original/314691f7d278cc5a.png "Blue, yellow and black graphic with text at the top that reads: Call your MLA (and other Policymakers). There is a picture of a person in an N95 mask, holding up a cell phone to their ear with a speech bubble that reads: Hello, this is --- from postal code ---. I'm calling to ask that you help keep and improve mask requirements in BC healthcare as we head into spring. Without consistent mask protections, and the addition of [consistent implementation / N95 masks for airborne illnesses / coverage in private medical settings], I can't safely access healthcare. You can learn more at DoNoHarmBC.ca. [There's no need to call me back / please call me back at ---.]. Get phone numbers: DoNoHarmBC.ca/contact-list. DoNoHarm BC logo at the top right.")
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