"Bowel cancer screening (endoscopy)"

I was invited for a bowel screening based on my age (55). This included a self-administered enema before attending the hospital.

The information leaflet with the invitation was very clear and straightforward in its description of the procedure and the reasons for performing it.

The enema arrived in the post, with very clear instructions on how and when to use it.

Once I got to the hospital, I dealt with 3 groups of people: firstly, the front-desk staff, then a nurse and then the doctor who performed the procedure. The nurse provided continuity before, during and after the procedure, and I really valued that continuity; it meant that I was not being handed off from person to person.

I arrived in good time for my appointment but had to wait 45 minutes to see the nurse; once I saw her everything proceeded smoothly and with no delays. Waiting was no problem for me (I took a book to read and the waiting room was warm and had some exciting daytime TV that I never get to watch) except that my enema ended up being ~2 hours before my procedure instead of ~1hour before.

Before the procedure, the nurse showed me some pictures of the equipment and described the procedure and then, once I was in the treatment room the doctor talked me through the procedure and made sure that I understood everything and checked if I had any questions.

I am very fortunate to say that this is the only invasive procedure that I have ever had in my life, and I was somewhat apprehensive about having a camera pushed up my rear end. However, everything was handled so smoothly and professionally that I felt no embarrassment at all. It was fascinating being able to watch the procedure on the video display.