"Endoscopy Suite"

Last week, I attended the endoscopy suite for a colonoscopy. The appointment was for 1. 30pm. The clinic was running 20 mins late.

When I was called it was already 2. 30 and I was asked if I wanted a throat spray. I replied that I was there for a colonocopy and didn't think a throat spray would be helpful.

It was after 4pm when I was being wheeled down to theatre when the nurse in charge yelled across to the nurses who were attending me that a doctor had been asked if they would "do the last "COLON" so that they could get away but that the doctor was being"OFF" so they wouldn't bother.

I think this kind of language was inappropriate and unprofessional. Previous to this I heard some part of a conversation, which took place at the nursing station which finished with the nurse in charge telling one of the nurses to "chill".

It sounded more like a conversation between two schoolchildren than two health care professionals.

I must admit to being worried about the calibre of people who were treating me and my pulse rate and. blood pressure were raised to the point where there was some doubt about whether the procedure would go ahead.

In the event the procedure went ahead and I had a lot of pain due to the air but I have experienced the same previously so that is no reflection on the nurse who carried it out.

In summary I have had my confidence in some of the staff at the endoscopy suite somewhat dented and think some instruction on patient care, ie don't call patients "COLONS", is required. Also some instruction on professional behaviour on the ward.