Text size

Theme

Language

"Left me feeling deeply uncomfortable"

About: Causeway Hospital / Gynaecology

(as a service user),

I attended a gynaecology appointment that left me feeling deeply uncomfortable and traumatised. The experience felt invasive and almost like an assault. There was no bedside manner, no explanation of what the appointment would involve, and no effort to prepare me for the examination.

This appointment had originally been cancelled, and I was offered a short-notice slot after being contacted by the clinic. I understood this was meant to be a follow-up regarding an ovarian cyst. However, I was not informed of what the consultation would actually include.

During the appointment, I felt blindsided and vulnerable. The lack of communication and sensitivity left me shaken, and I am struggling with how the experience has affected me emotionally.

I believe patients should always be treated with respect and given clear information about what will happen during an examination. I would appreciate acknowledgement of how distressing this was, and I hope steps can be taken to ensure other patients are not left feeling the way I did.

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Brenda O'Neil, Lead Nurse, Gynaecology, NHSCT 2 weeks ago
Brenda O'Neil
Lead Nurse, Gynaecology,
NHSCT
Submitted on 23/09/2025 at 14:50
Published on Care Opinion at 14:50


Thank you for taking the time to complete Care Opinion feedback.

My name is Brenda O'Neill, Interim Lead Nurse in Antrim & Causeway Gynae.

I am truly disheartened to learn about the nature of your experience during your appointment. Please accept my sincere apologies, as I deeply regret that you had to go through this.

We take all feedback we receive very seriously, and it is our priority to collaborate with patients and clients to ensure that everyone who accesses our services feels heard and is treated with the respect and care that we would desire for ourselves or our loved ones.

I would appreciate it if you could reach out to me when you feel prepared to allow for a more in-depth investigation of your experience. You can contact me at brenda.oneill@northerntrust.hscni.net. Alternatively, if you wish to file a formal complaint with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, you can reach them directly by phone at 028 9442 4655, via email at user.feedback@northerntrust.hscni.net, or by completing their online Service User Feedback form.

In the meantime, I will ensure that your experience is shared with the team for their awareness and to facilitate learning.

Kind regards,

Brenda

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k