"Disgusting lack of Patient involvement..."

I was unable to attend a recent endoscopy appointment due to having the flu.

When I phoned the appointment number, the person took great pleasure in punishing me and gave me the last appointment before Christmas (early evening on 22nd December).

Despite my symptoms and having already waited 4 months for an appointment, I am really concerned about the significant lack of 'patient' engagement in the gastroenterology department of the hospital.

It seems to me that the entire endoscopy system has been set to avoid direct contact between the gastroenterology staff and the patient.

The GP writes a referral which is then read by a the Gastro service staff whom decide whether the individual requires a endoscopy procedure!

I have a number of symptoms and feel that I would have benefited from a discussion with a consultant who may have recommended a 'blood test' or an ultrasound.

But this is not possible as I have received an appointment to have an the above endoscopy without even discussing my symptoms.

This very patient unfriendly system is not putting me at ease.

This system lacks medical credibility I have to undergo a procedure with no 'input' into my treatment what-so-ever!

Because of the lack of communication, I am even more anxious about the procedure and will be writing to the Minister for Health to ask why this system is allowed to continue.

This is an example of gastroenterology staff removing themselves from having to meet face-to-face with patients and this has serious safety implications.

In a booklet I received on having a gastroscopy -it stated there can be serious side effects from an endoscopy (some are life threatening).

So I want to at least meet the doctor performing the procedure so I can ask specific questions i.e. how many they perform and what is their success rate etc!!!

I really do not think anyone should undergo any sort of medical intervention without meeting the doctor face-to-face.