"Concerns about the Royal University Liverpool Hospital"

Story posted on behalf of caller to Healthwatch Liverpool:

I have some concerns about my treatment by the Royal Hospital. I have had severe IBS for 12 years and have had to attend regular appointments for this. The hospital have always told me to take laxatives the day before any appointments, but I find this very painful. I think the hospital should offer an enema as an option instead as this would be quicker and less painful.

An appointment to examine my bowel was canceled yesterday after I'd drunk a coffee with milk an hour beforehand. The nurse told me that it would be unsafe to proceed with the examination because of this. I understand this, but think I should have been given more information on why I shouldn't eat or drink before procedures. I also think this is why I should be offered an enema instead.  

Sometimes the nurses' bedside manner could be improved. I often feel highly anxious at appointments but the nurses sometimes talk to me like a robot and say things that make me feel more anxious e.g. If we find something nasty like cancer, we can just cut it out. I think there should be a better understanding of anxiety at these appointments and for staff to be more sensitive to this.

Also, when I went for my appointment yesterday the main toilets at the hospital were out of use when I arrived because they were being cleaned. I asked a hospital staff member where I could find another toilet but they couldn't tell me. I found this distressing as I need regular access to a toilet because of my condition.