Hospitals should have better aftercare plans

I have all the symptoms of bowel cancer and discussed this with my GP about ten years ago who recommended a colonoscopy.

I rang the Colorectal Assessment Clinic at Cork University Hospital to make an appointment. They asked me if I had someone to take me home afterwards. I said I don’t but I can get a taxi — I live in Blackpool. They refused to give me an appointment until I have someone to take me home, preferably a relative. This is not possible in my case. I am a 70-year-old woman who must look after myself.

It really upsets me when I visit Cork University Hospital, and see so much space going to waste around the main reception. Could a small area there be sealed off and allow colonscopy patients recover until they are well enough to get a taxi home?

It also annoys me when the hospital spends time and money on a free information session advising people with symptoms to have an early diagnosis, which is vital, but the procedure is not user-friendly.

For my part, I am well aware of this type of cancer and not embarrassed to talk about it. The symptoms of bowel habits, pain and bleeding have got much worse over the last ten years. It’s time patients were allowed recover from the colonoscopy, which I believe requires a mild anaesthetic, before leaving the hospital. If they have a relative who is prepared to take responsibility for their safety, and if the hospital considers it safe for them to leave immediately, there is no problem.

M O’Sullivan

Blackpool

Cork