I have had this procedure undertaken twice, once 25 years ago and again last week. The first experience was with a GP at a cottage hospital and he was not skilled at the job, it was an unmitigated nighmare. That expereince made me very anxious about having it done again and I tried repeatedly to get some advice from the phone number sent to me to but the phone was not answered for the first 7 days. I was being required to stop my acid reflux medication and I wanted advice about what medication I could continue to take. On the day before the procedure, after 13 days of hell without my usual medication, I discovered that the sedation options on offer were at best pathetic. The nurse practitioner spoke to me on the phone and was dismissive and suggested that i should cancel (in fact she put those words into my mouth) - which would mean rebooking (elsewhere) and another 14 days of hell before the alternative appointment. I decided against my better judgement to go ahead with the Gastroscopy. The misleading information about the scope being MUCH thinner than 25 years ago and sedation better etc persuaded me to sign a consent form. I had explained numerous times that i have a bad gag reflex, even having a crown impression at the dentists causes me difficulty. I was lulled into a false sense of security and the ensuing procedure was a nightmare again, I gagged and retched ALL the way through the procedure.

My point? That when an appointment is offered, the capabilities of the centre conducting the procedure should be presented CLEARLY and the alternatives available elsewhere should be presented so that the patient can make an informed decision. Anything less is not informed consent it is AMBUSH.