"My OGD Gastroscopy Experience at Good Hope Hospital"

Recently I had an OGD Gastroscopy at Good Hope Hospital.

The main procedure went very speedily and thoroughly along with printed results; all most impressive. However, I wish to raise concerns with the timing and the type of information I was supplied with prior to the procedure.

Firstly, I was given information on what to expect both in the post and on arrival. Secondly on the day I made sure I did not eat and drink at the specified times. As my appointment was not until 4. 45 I made sure I did not drink for two hours before hand. I did arrive too early and it was too close to having had a drink, so I waited. The procedure did not start until around 5. 15 although it was all over by 5. 30. I had chosen to have the Throat Spray (local anaesthetic) as I could go home unaccompanied almost immediately after the procedure and that I would be permitted to drive and carry on my day as normal as stated in the information.

However, where I wish to raise concerns was in the explanation of the Throat Spray; I hadn’t realised I would experience swallowing issues and that anyone who is of a nervous disposition like my myself, as I’ve had panic attacks, would find this most unsettling. The information should explain that it numbs the back of the throat so that you are not aware of swallowing. The nursing staff were trying to be very reassuring but I was still very scared and kept bothering them about the problems I was experiencing; a type of choking sensation as I found it difficult to swallow, but I could see they were packing up and getting ready to leave – I tried not to be a nuisance. They explained that it would wear off. In hindsight these problems were most likely due in part to the fact I had not eaten for seven hours because of the delay and I had not had a drink since 1.30 so I was worried about that and that I was not to eat or drink for another hour on top of this. I was very thirsty and the swallowing was quite an issue as the staff were quite aware however the closing time was 6 pm giving me about 30 minutes for recovery. Just as they were ready to go they suggested I go to A and E if I still felt unwell but this was unsettling too as it was going out into the dark and making my way to the front of the hospital. In the end I recovered and was able to make my way home unaccompanied.

What the hospital needs to do is explain the procedure more thoroughly where the Throat Spray is concerned and be more mindful on the time they admit the last patient; I feel I was not given enough time to recover especially since I was particularly thirsty and hungry by this time and would not be able to eat or drink for another hour. The reason for voicing my concerns is to help future patients who will have to go through this procedure.