"Failure to follow policy"

I attended the ED for paraesthesia and facial numbness after being advised to attend by a health direct nurse. 

I was given a cannula and had my blood drawn. I was then told to go back into the waiting area to wait to be called to see the doctor. Is it normal procedure to have blood drawn before knowing if it is necessary?

The doctor I eventually seemed pretty disinterested in being there and inconvenienced by my presence. 

They conducted some neurological tests which were all fine. They recommended I see my gp for further testing and went to send me on my way. The doctor had forgotten that I had a canula in so took me into the hallway infront of the nurses station to take it out. 

I was blown away that this doctor did not once sanitise their hands or wear gloves to remove the canula. They removed it in the walkway, I was given gauze to hold on the site because I have a bleeding disorder and upon canula insertion had bled all over the ed room floor. 

The fact that basic infection control procedures were seemingly not followed is incomprehensible. I am an executive in the disability sector and am well versed on  infection control. I wish I would have spoken up at the time but I was feeling unwell and wanted to go home.

I recall another doctor was looking over whilst they removed it and seemed shocked but then smiled to themselves. The nurses seemed to be a little panicked by it, but no one said anything to them. 

In my opinion, failure of this doctor to follow basic infection control protocols has the potential to expose myself and others to disease. 

It shows to me an issue that I believe none of the nurses or the other doctor felt they could speak up about this.

Maybe implementing an internal “Speak Up” culture where each staff member is responsible for holding one another accountable would help to address this. 

I understand that our health system is underfunded, understaffed and overworked, however I feel there is no excuse for potentially exposing myself and others to disease in a clinical environment.

I will be lodging a formal complaint.