Physiotherapy

[wisewomen]

Do women have the right to chose a female physiotherapist? Is this a usual request?

[Octavius]

Possibly, but wouldn't that be discriminating against an equally qualified male?

You may be able to request that a female nurse be present, but I think it is pretty much you get what you get.

[lovenut]

Of course you can request a female, if you're going to have to remove clothing and dont feel comfortable in front of a man then yes definitely request a female. I'll only see female osteopaths,physios and docotrs its a preference you pay for the service either directly or through your NI contributions.

You want a female request a female.

[Octavius]

Presumably, lovenut, that if it was a doctor saving your life, you wouldn�t be so keen to discriminate?

[wisewomen]

Life and death is defintely a different issue and I dont think anyone would argue that it doesnt matter who treats you if your life depends on it and they can save you.

Physiotherapy on the other hand is an optional treatment.

My friend was in a car accident and has been referred for treatment. She has been told that she will be seeing a male physio. After discussions she has been told that she will have to remove her top and undo her bra for treatment. This makes her very uncomfortable and wonders whether she can say no to treatment from a male physio.

[Octavius]

The best thing would be for her to contact the clinic and ask them, seeing as they have alloted her a male physio, they would be best placed to answer whether a female one was a viable option that could be arranged for her, or whether there is no possibility.

I don't think there would be any animosity for asking.

[wisewomen]

I have just spoken to my friend and given her your advice. She called the clinic and was advised that there are no female physio's there. She is now considering not going at all, she says she would prefer to live with the pain!!

This cannot be right can it?!?!

[Octavius]

Did she ask what the alternative options were?

Was it really what you get is what you get, or go elsewhere?

[elginred]

I don't know where you are, but if your friend has been referred through the NHS, there may be female physios in another nearby hospital who could see her.

I've recently been referred to the physio at the hospital where I work, and have discovered that my GP has put in the referral that I requested a female physio (which I had not).

Your friend can, however, ask that a female health care worker (ie.nurse) may be present.

As a health care worker, I am absolutely sure that there would be no bad feeling about this. It is a patients right to feel comfortable and have their dignity maintained at all times!!!