"21st Century Facilities-19th Century Treatment"

My appointment was a bit of administrative disaster (not the fault of the staff - NHS booking team need to get their facts right), so I was offered a gastroscopy date for 16/12/17, which was reasonable. However, I was informed that all gastroscopies are done without sedation - only a spray of local anaesthetic (which doesn’t work for everyone)! I just could not believe what I was hearing.

Having had this procedure before I know that sedation is essential unless you really can withstand having a big rubber camera tube shoved into your stomach. I was then informed that the Centre had limited resources and was only licenced for basic procedures. Good thing they don’t do dentistry! So although this is a magnificent Centre with a very professional nursing staff, it is badly let down by poor management who appear to be living in the 19th century as far as medical care is concerned. Even my chiropodist absolutely insists on making sure any uncomfortable procedures are properly managed and will insist on the necessary staff if required, yet this establishment has a problem. Hopefully my GP can refer me to a proper and professional hospital with staff who have had the necessary training.

Clearly, this centre, although excellent in other respects, needs to be brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century.