An Impatient Patient
PHARMACY | RIGHT | JULY 11, 2013
(It is a Sunday, so not many pharmacies are open. I’ve come in with my friend, who is rather unwell. The staff know my husband and I quite well, as we’re in there for our regular medication. Additionally, I have multiple piercings, a rather large tattoo on my nape of my neck, and teal green hair.)
Pharmacist: “Won’t be long; please take a seat.”
(We do, and I give the tech I know well a smile and a nod in greeting. Another customer enters.)
Customer: “How long will it be for my medication?”
Pharmacist: “About 20 minutes. We have a few people in front of you.”
Customer: “Fine. I wouldn’t come here if you weren’t the only pharmacy open on a bloody Sunday; you’re always slow!”
(The pharmacist brushes it off and goes to make up medications.)
Customer: “I’m only having to wait this long because of stupid drug freaks.”
(My friend turns to say something, but I put my hand on her arm and shake my head.)
Customer: “Yeah, I mean you, green freak! What, come in for your methadone early, and they won’t give it to you?”
(I’ve deliberately turned my back on him at this point.)
Customer: “F****** druggies! We pay for you to get f****** high.”
Pharmacy Tech: “Sir, can you watch your language please?”
Customer: “No I f****** won’t! That stupid b**** is the reason I have to wait so f****** long! She’s strung out, look at the f****** circles under her eyes; they’re all bloodshot!”
Pharmacy Tech: “I’ll have you know that young lady there is a full-time carer for her husband, who is disabled. And all this whilst being disabled herself. She looks like she hasn’t slept in a week because she probably hasn’t; between caring for him, volunteering with [national advice organization], and helping out her friend here who is rather unwell. And I don’t personally care if my taxes are being used to help her out; I wish there were more people like her out there!”
Customer: “I… I… I demand to see a pharmacist!”
Pharmacist: “Sir, I am not going to reprimand my tech for handling that much better than I would have. Do not insult my customers. Here is your prescription back; please fill it somewhere else.”
(The customer stomps out.)
Me: “I’m really sorry I caused that.”
Pharmacist: “Eh, don’t worry; he’s always an a** when he comes in here. Besides, he has an exemption certificate, which means our taxes are paying for his meds too!”
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