
Northern Endoscopy Centre
Gastroenterology
I am writing to provide feedback regarding my recent attendance at the Northern Endoscopy Centre for a scheduled endoscopy.
After following the required preparation instructions, including two days of a restricted liquid-only diet, I attended early for my 3:20 pm appointment. My transport had been arranged and approved through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Upon arrival, I was asked who would be driving me home. I explained that the DVA-approved driver who had brought me to the appointment was waiting outside and would also be transporting me home after the procedure.
The receptionist advised that I could not be transported by someone who did not know me personally, that this was unacceptable, and that they would need to determine whether my procedure could proceed. I explained that your own Patient Admission Form specifically references DVA transport arrangements and asks, “If DVA, do you require transport to be booked and organised for you? Yes / No.” Based on this question, I selected “No” and arranged my own DVA-approved transport rather than having the Centre arrange it on my behalf.
The receptionist initially disputed this and indicated that she did not believe the form contained such a provision. I then requested to see the form and showed her the relevant section myself. Following this, she went to speak with staff in the back office.
A nurse then came to reception and escorted me outside to question the driver directly about whether he would look after me and drive me home. The driver confirmed that he would.
I found this entire interaction upsetting, embarrassing and humiliating. As a veteran living with PTSD and anxiety—conditions that were clearly disclosed on my Health Questionnaire submitted to the Centre —the situation was particularly distressing.
Firstly, I felt that my explanation regarding DVA transport was dismissed, despite it being explicitly referenced in your own admission documentation. Secondly, being taken outside and having my driver questioned in front of me made me feel as though I had done something wrong, when I had simply followed the instructions provided by your Centre.
I appreciate the importance of ensuring patient safety following sedation, and I fully support appropriate discharge procedures. However, I believe this situation could have been handled with significantly more sensitivity and professionalism.
I would therefore like to suggest that staff receive further training regarding DVA transport arrangements and the Centre’s own policies. If DVA-approved transport is an acceptable discharge option, patients should not be challenged or interrogated about arrangements that comply with the information provided on your forms. Alternatively, if DVA transport is not considered acceptable, the reference to arranging DVA transport should be removed from the admission documentation to avoid confusion.
For patients living with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, interactions such as these can have a significant impact. I hope this feedback can be used constructively to improve the experience of future patients.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I would appreciate confirmation that this feedback has been received and will be reviewed.
Fiona K.