Endoscopy

[jessica1]

I went for endoscopy this week. Nasty little procedure I know. However. I was unlucky , I had a trainee, wasn't informed until afterwards . It wAs doubly nasty.

I thought you had to give permission for. Trainee to practise on you. Is this correct ?

[huggs]

HI Jessica,

This sounds like bad medical practise to say the least and I am sure hospital protocol and guidelines have been breached here. You most definitely should have been informed, and you may want to consider sending a letter of complaint to the hospital. That way they have to respond in writing to you. Even when visiting GP's and they have a trainee with them, the GP has to ask you if it is alright for the trainee to be present during the consultation.

I have had two endoscopies. I was given the option of local anaesthetic only, sedation, or both. To be on the safe side I opted for both and have no memory of the first one, but on the second one the sedation didn't work properly so I remember the whole procedure but as I also had the local anaesthetic it was only slightly uncomfortable. It sounds as if you didn't have sedation and you have been very unfortunate having this experience as it shouldn't be like that at all, if you have the option of sedation particularly.

I hope you can get an apology of some sort by the hospital, and the consultant who was supervising the trainee as it is really unacceptable that this has happened to you. I know that trainees have to learn, but you should have been asked.

Take care,

hugs from Huggs xxx

[BEAR777 in reply to huggs]

Yes you should have been informed! Seems like the trainee wasn't very well trained! It is a procedure that has risks I was diagnosed with BARRETTS esophagus 40 years ago and have follow up endos every 2 or three years The first ones were only with valium IV and an awful tasting spray to numb my throat I even had one with no drugs was my request it wasn't a picnic lol but well tolerated only because in my opinion the Dr was very good A note of humor my very first one was with valium IV and that awful spray The Dr stuck his fingers down my throat to test my gag reflex I bit him I remember him saying ouch you have a hell of a bite lol I maybe the reason they now put that thing in your mouth so you can't do that Sorry for my rant I do hope you report your experience and if ever need another test inform the Dr what you had to UNNESSISARLY had to endure Take care

[Suzy6]

Hi Jessica I had a Chest Xray and the trainer Radiographer introduced herself and asked if I was alright with her carrying out the procedure under the eye of the trained radiographer. On a Doctors visit the Receptionist asked if I would consent to a trainee sitting in with my Doctor and I signed a consent form. Take huggs good advice and good luck.

Suzyxxx

[bobbydoda]

Yes u do unless there just w aching Xxbobbydoda

[angse]

Hi Jessica

I really thought they needed you to give your permission for trainee to perform this, I have had many endoscopys, every 6 months, and always had a doctor, I am still petrified of this procedure, and I am so sorry for saying this about all trainee endoscopists, but I would have to have a doctor, I've never stopped trainees from working on me, but not this one hope you OK Annette

[Offcut]

My Wife had one last week and they informed her that it was a last year trainee but the consultant will direct and will look at all of the procedure results. Biopsy's have not been returned but it appears she has had a long term refux.

As for your case I would speak to PALS about it.

Be Well

[hurries]

For me sedation essential. I was out for the count and have no recollection. However, I was bullied by the nurse as she tried to insist I did not need sedation. I felt a wimp and told the staff so as I entered the unit for the procedure. Fortunately they were lovely and re-assured me. Subsequently I learnt that this particular nurse did have an attitude so I made a complaint in writing which was handled with great efficiency by the Hospital. Both letters and 'phone calls and thanking me for informing them. Please complain in a nice way to save future patients from this scenario.

[BEAR777 in reply to hurries]

I agree we all need to complain when we feel we weren't treated correctly Here in the USA I've found that most complaints don't get me personal satisfying results as our health care is being more and more taken over by providers taking over entire communities with out much compition but it does cause the hospital ect time and expense as it must be investigated Most of my filed complaints have been to help and hope mistakes are corrected so others don't go through some similar situations Being informed and knowing as much as possible about your health care in my opinion is more important now more than ever we need to a s k questions no matter what they may be the days of being they know what is best are gone in my humble opinion ???? God Bless

[Nikkers]

Huggs is correct Jessica. You should never have been given this by a trainee without your prior permission. The person who was also present is at fault here and you should make a formal complaint to the hospital administrator. It was, as you say, not a pleasant experience anyway, but imagine (God forbid) if anything had gone wrong during this procedure? It could have traumatised you for life.

Sorry to hear that you had to experience this and I hope you're feeling better now?

Keep smiling and good luck with the hospital. XX

[jessica1]

Thank you one and all for your answers.

I didn't find out until I was discharged by the nurse . I was completely traumatised . Have had this procedure previously but it was very quick. The trainee was obviously having problems getting the camera down my throat. You can imagine what was happening with me whilst she was attempting this and failing.

This was last Monday, I have had dreams about it all week but I am scared to complain as I too felt like a wimp. I will sit

Down and write a letter today, I wouldn't want to experience this again and wouldn't want anyone else to either.

P. S. The discharge nurse let it slip that the girl was indeed training and I was on he list . Otherwise I would still believe it was all my fault for not swallowing at the appropriate time.

Thanks again, I will let you all know the outcome , and will bear in mind that they do have to try their techniques on some poor soul

[huggs in reply to jessica1]

Good luck Jessica with your letter and I am sure just the act of actively doing something about your traumatic experience will help you feel better, and hope they are prompt with an explanation, reassurances and an apology. The supervisor of the trainee was at fault for not informing you or asking your permission, and in making sure that if the trainee got into difficulties they took over.

I wouldn't let a trainee do an endoscopy on me either, although I realise they have to learn, but this is too invasive for my taste.

hugs from Huggs xxx

[Jan_m]

Good luck with your letter Jessica, would definitely speak to PALS x

[sandsandrew]

I would not mind,How else are they going to learn,I have been asked due to other procedures whilst in hospital if the trainee could carry out the procedure, I had no issues withit as the fully trained was standing by, I believe trainees have to get hands on experiance ,nothing to be afraid of! But you should have been asked beforehand.

[frank65]

of course . they do have to learn some time . i had one done last year a piece of cake i had the good sence to have the jab first went out like a light .

[jessica1]

Well, at 4pm today, I took a deep breathe and rang the endoscopy unit. I spoke to the Sister who said absolutely should have been informed that a trainee would be doing this procedure. Also , if I requested sedation that too should have been acknowledged and providing no reason was apparent I should have been able to be sedated.

As it was late in the day, and of course a bank holiday , she could not view my notes as they were locked in the office. She says she will look at the details on Tuesday and ring me on Wednesday.

I do feel calmer now that I have told someone in the dept.

I hope this never happens to anyone else.

Thank you for your help, advice and support.

[eastridingbigden]

yes you did the right thing and can I say to everyone on here never bother with pals they are part of the system and cover up for the hospital go straight to the top every time I was a volenteer for the patient and public forums for 4 years