MEDI-RITE'S GLUCOSE TEST NIGHT-MARE: THANKS FOR NOTHING!

<p>My excitement was short-lived when I visited Medi-Rite for a blood sugar test last Friday. I had come across an advert outlining this free service in one of the local pubications here in Polokwane earlier in the week . It definately was a great idea for Medi-Rite to lend a hand for the National Diabetes Awareness Month of November.</p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, although the ad referred to the Medi-Rite outlet at Mall of the North; I further learned - after calling them - that the outlet at Checkers in the City Centre also offered the service. I even went further to confirm if indeed this was the case. Positive, and it was nearer. You will understand that all this was meant to avoid an unnecessary nevigation across town, instead of heading straight to Mall of the North.</p> <p> </p> <p>We are talking time and money.</p> <p> </p> <p>What a waste! For both (time and money). Mine... and Medi-Rite's, I guess. Well, in my case I might fallen victim to Medi-Rite's extremely rude staffer. But, for Medi-Rite, they should have ensured to have trained, and at the most that 'willing-to-serve' staff on the campaign.</p> <p> </p> <p>Upon my arrival, my traditional (or Ubuntu) formal greetings were not responded to. This was despite the fact that I made the first move, even though I was supposed to have been welcomed. However, I still managed to pose the question to the lady at the counter about the service. I stead of getting an answer I got a very scary glaring look just short of a death glare from the lady.</p> <p> </p> <p>What followed was a finger indication directing me to my left to get inside. It was after I had made a step in that I discovered I had used a wrong door. There are two doors, I chose the first one, the wrong one. At least we were now talking. How about that for introduction!?</p> <p> </p> <p>Then came my biggest crime: small talk! Well, somehow sub-consciously I was close to deciding that I wasn't going to let any grumpy or angry person pierce me with anything. Not at all. So, as she fumbled for whatever it was she was to use on me, I asked the question. In a nice way I said: "Ma'am are you ok?" "I'm fine!" came her solid voice.</p> <p> </p> <p>I realised later that I should have left it at that. But I didn't. Unfortunately I followed up: "That's good to hear, but when one's 'fine' you can only tell from the interaction you have with them - sometimes they smile...".</p> <p> </p> <p>Well, that's how I missed my free test. I bolted out of Checkers.</p> <p> </p> <p>The answer shook me: "I don't smile", she said turning to me with the needly stuff. As she ranted on she made it clear to me that even her colleagues knew that 'she does NOT smile. So, in short - it was clear that I had to live with it. No choice.</p> <p> </p> <p>I decided to make life easy for myself (and for her). So, I thanked her for her time. I apologised for her taking her space, and to have unsettled her in anyway. As I stood up I knew it was time to go. And, politely I told her that I will be making my way to Mall of the North. Which I never did. Thanks for nothing, Medi-Rite!</p> <p> </p> <p>On my way out I asked the Checkers Trainee Mananger if she would allow an angry person to needle her. I agreed with her on one thing: the danger of running a risk of a swelling that might last for weeks.</p> <p> </p> <p>And, just to think I wanted to bring my daughter with! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>