Let's NOT get cosy - Part Deux

The problems of over-familiar computer-generated mails has jolted my memory about one of the worst abuses that I can think of.

I'm talking about the terrible practice adopted by nurses and carers towards older people - that of calling them by their first name without being invited to do so.

At some point the NHS management, Social Services, universities and similar trainers in the private sector adopted as one the policy of telling people that this is what they should do to make people in their care feel comfortable - a friendly service and what could be friendlier than addressing someone by their given name?

Except it isn't. It's bloody annoying, patronising and to somebody over 50yrs, uncomfortable and impolite.

The default pattern to be taught should always be to use Mr or Mrs until invited to do otherwise or to ask 'what do you like to be called?' And if Mrs is not Mrs, she will be quite happy that at least she was addressed properly and offer an alternative!