Editor:
I had recent occasion to visit a medical laboratory in Ocean Park operated by Fraser Health.
As I stood in the reception area, studiously ignored by the receptionist who was the only other person present, I looked around the room to try to discover whether I was supposed to take a seat, take a number or boldly ring a bell to announce my presence.
I quickly noticed a sign, prominently displayed, which announced, “Violence, foul language and abusive behaviours are not acceptable”. On further investigation, I noticed two more signs carrying the same ominous warning.
I timidly approached the reception desk, occupied the adjacent seat and nervously waited for my identity and reason for the visit to be noted. The absence of any eye contact ensured I would not be drawn into any superfluous conversation that might lead to my transgressing the aforementioned warning.
After being duly processed and released from the facility, I began to wonder whether there had been an outbreak of bad behaviour in Ocean Park that had necessitated the warning signs. I checked out the offices of my local doctor and dentist – no signs there. None at the hairdresser, newsagent, coffee shop or grocery store either. Apparently the problem is very localized.
What is it about medical laboratories that induces anti-social behaviour that other businesses are not subjected to? Could it possibly be that those other businesses do not enjoy a government monopoly for the supply of their particular service and thereby understand that “customers” are to be welcomed, not warned off?
John McLeod, Surrey
