"Mixed experience "

I recently attended the Endoscopy Unit for a Gastroscopy. I cannot fault the care received during my appointment, the staff were terrific and my overall experience whilst at the hospital was excellent throughout.

Unfortunately the post-care was extremely lacking.

The discharge leaflet advised to contact the Unit with any concerns. I had cause to call them less than 24hrs post procedure as l was having unpleasant symptoms not listed as a side effect in the leaflet, leaving me unable to eat or sleep.

Without even being given the opportunity to fully explain, l was curtly told to speak to my GP and offered no further assistance.

Of course, my GP was no help either, since Endoscopy is not his speciality.

I have been left with no reassurance that what l am experiencing is "normal" or any idea how long l should expect these post-procedure symptoms to last.

Hopefully things will improve soon but currently l feel dreadful and regret having had the scope done.

Why ask patients to contact the Unit with concerns if, less than 24hrs post-procedure, the Unit apparently bears no responsibility for advising the patient further?