"My experience of care has been overall a negative one"

My experience of care in Ward 43/ DESU in Altnagelvin hospital has been overall a negative one that has caused me much concern and anxiety.

I have been passed between different consultants in the last six months in the gynaecology department. I was referred to DESU to undergo a number of procedures. My experience of DESU as a patient was a negative and deeply concerning one.

The lack of information and choices of anaesthesia provided to me before the procedure was not acceptable. Patient informed choice should be at the heart of all NHS treatment. In my experience, the digital system and the staff's ability to input accurate medical information was quite frankly a disgrace. I refused to agree to go ahead with my procedure until the correct consultant's name was on the document I was signing. Always read the small print before signing anything. Particularly if your about to be given drugs to make you unconscious.

I met the consultant for a matter of minutes before the procedure. I didn't feel listened to or my concerns heard. I was supposed to have several procures on the same day. The consultant stated that it wasn't their job to carry out a particular procedure. A simple procedure that could potentially save my life if left unchecked. My own GP, treatment room nurse and another gynaecologist were unable to carry out the procedure. Result....I am now back on a very long waiting list for a procedure that was supposed to be done in DESU.

And they wonder why so many women in this country feel unheard and anxious when it comes to gynaecological issues they are experiencing on a daily basis. My quality of life has suffered enough over many years. The delay in receiving this procedure to put my mind at rest has caused me many sleepless nights and much anxiety.