"Very pleased with all aspects of the service"

I have attended this department twice now within two years having been identified at risk through the bowel cancer detection scheme and been called for a colonoscopy.

The experience has been very positive and well handled by a competent, professional and friendly team – from reception through to consultant.

First contact was with a nurse practitioner who carried out tests and briefed me very thoroughly, even checking kidney function before allowing the moviprep agent to be used.

This was followed two days later by the procedure.

I found it helpful to be able to follow the procedure on screen with a commentary from the consultant but those who would not like this do not have to have it.

The procedure is potentially worrying but the staff work well together to alleviate anxiety and to help the patient to understand the process.

It certainly put me at ease.

After a monitored recovery period you get the long awaited tea and biscuits (after a 24 hour fast) and a good debriefing from the nurse practitioner who was present during the procedure.

This is followed up next day by a phone call to check that all is well.

It is a measure of their duty of care that they do not discharge the previously sedated patient until they can ensure that a carer will be present and that they have transport (not self-driven).

They will phone for a taxi if needed.

This need is specified in the pre-appointment documentation.

Documentation is very good and very thorough – leaving no stone unturned.

Having experienced this department twice now with a year’s gap between visits I can say that my experience has been consistent and that high standards have been maintained.

My thanks to all concerned.