My ultrasound experience at Cottrelle diagnostic, Brampton
Hello Brampton residents! Today, I’m sharing a personal experience from one of my closest friends who recently went for a pelvic ultrasound at Cottrelle Diagnostic, Brampton. If you’re considering visiting this location, here’s what you should know.
The Ultrasound Procedure
Having a medical procedure can be stressful, especially if the experience is less than ideal. Here’s a breakdown of the appointment process at Cottrelle Diagnostic and what to expect during an ultrasound.
Appointment Scheduling
While they do answer calls and offer appointment bookings, it’s often better to walk in, especially to confirm if the necessary medical equipment is in working order. From personal experience, there have been instances where the machines weren’t functioning, leading to rescheduled appointments.
Staff Attitude
One of the most striking observations was the language barrier. The staff, predominantly Punjabi or Hindi speakers, often assumed everyone understood their language. When we raised concerns about the technician’s poor skills, the clinic refused to acknowledge the issue. They even dismissed our complaint about a bruise, claiming it could have happened elsewhere.
Waiting Time
Whether you have an appointment or walk in, expect to wait between 20 and 40 minutes. The wait time is manageable, but the overall experience is what left a lasting impression.
Professionalism of Technicians
Sadly, professionalism seemed to be lacking at this facility. My spouse and I attempted to leave feedback on Google (you can find their page here), but our reviews weren’t posted. This was concerning, especially given our experience with the technician, an elderly Punjabi-speaking lady.
Here’s how the interaction unfolded:
Conversation During the Ultrasound
- Ultrasound Technician: Why are you here for the scan?
- Me: My doctor has prescribed this to check my pelvic floor as part of a hormonal treatment follow-up.
- Technician: Okay, lie down. [After seeing my belly] Why did you drink so much water? Now the scan won’t be clear.
- Me: Would you like me to partially empty my bladder to improve clarity?
- Technician: No, I’ll do an intra-uterine scan after taking some measurements.
The situation got progressively uncomfortable. After the initial scan, I was told to empty my bladder, but when I returned to the room, I was shocked to find bruises on my pelvic area. The technician had applied excessive pressure with the transducer, causing visible marks, yet offered no apology or explanation.
Handling Patient Concerns
The technician rushed through the procedure and seemed agitated by the time I took to return from the restroom. What added to my discomfort was her speaking in Punjabi, which I politely asked her to switch to English so I could understand. Her response was dismissive, and her shaky hands (due to old age) made me question her ability to handle the equipment safely.
Customer Service Issues
After the appointment, my husband contacted the center to report the unprofessional behavior and the bruise I sustained. The staff gathered our personal details but denied any wrongdoing by the technician, blaming the bruise on external factors. Despite efforts to escalate the issue, including reporting to the city and calling 905-997-7700, no action was taken.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
If you absolutely must visit Cottrelle Diagnostic for an ultrasound, here are a few lessons learned:
- Ask for Technician Details: Before your appointment, check if the technician is in good physical condition to perform the scan, especially if it’s the elderly Punjabi-speaking woman. If so, politely request a different technician.
- Confirm Equipment Functionality: Always confirm the medical equipment is working before your appointment, especially if you’re walking in.
- Be Assertive: If you experience unprofessional behavior or discomfort, do not hesitate to raise your concerns immediately. Don’t let the situation escalate to the point of physical or emotional distress.
Location:
Cottrelle Diagnostic
10 Cottrelle Blvd, Unit 202,
Brampton, ON L6S 0E2, Canada.