The Chartwell Hospital

I went to The Chartwell Hospital in Leigh-on-Sea today for a colonoscopy, my greatest fear is hospitals, doctors, dentists etc. I cannot praise all of the staff enough, from reception for communication and advice to the first nurse for preparing me mentally, to the procedure team who were wonderful. In today's world we easily forget the unsung heroes, and its these guys! I certainly couldn't do what they do and I am truly grateful, you guys save lives, what an incredibly noble thing.

Arrived for an 8.40 appointment with my elderly Nan, she was told not to eat or drink for 12 hours before her gastroscopy appointment. We were fine with that, and the actual shoving a camera down the throat bit went fine. It was just the three hours of pointless waiting, to an empty room, with no notice or warning or even cause as to what the root of this delay was. Five patients were taken in to do gastroscopy appointments before us, despite the fact that we were the first people in! It was 10:40 before we were seen, so we had waited two hours watching people go in, who had both arrived later than us and were seen earlier than us.

We were largely ignored and made to wait hours for a relatively simple procedure, days were booked off so we could care for her after the appointment, and they gave us a right runaround in terms of rearranging appointments and times! To top it all off, they made us wait for an absolute age seemingly because they can't get their patients in order! Not impressed!!!

I cannot thank the team at Chartwell hospital enough for there kind care and compassion during my Colonoscopy, I was very scared but thanks to Phil, Patricia, and Lisa with the exception of a little discomfort made the experience almost enjoyable and I will be much more relaxed in the future, last but not least Dr Mileik was great and very considerate. Thanks again to a great team!

My experience left a lot to be desired arrived a255 for a 3.15 appointment was told have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to appointment at 4.00 pm still not seen by this time feeling not too good due to hunger still not seen at 4.25 left.