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"Colonoscopy at the hospital"

About: Kyneton Hospital / Perioperative Services

(as the patient),

I had had a failed colonoscopy a few weeks before, due to poor preparation. I talked with my GP about my concerns and was reassured that if I followed the instructions all would be well. I did the extended preparation this time which was hard work. Most of the allowed foods on the food choice list are things I never eat. I felt the list is very out of date, with a blanket exclusion of "Ethnic style food" which I think is both inappropriate and offensive. There was no mention of commonly eaten foods like chia, quinoa, miso, ev olive oil, coconut water, coconut yogurt, tamari, etc.

However, I stuck rigorously to the list, took all the prep seriously and drank all the sachets as directed. Once again the examinations failed. The prep was called "very poor". The staff were all kind and sympathic but no advice was given about next steps. I feel that my GP left it up to the hospital and the hospital has left it up to the GP.

All that time, effort, money and resources seemingly wasted, twice!

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Responses

Response from Phil Catterson, Exec Director Community Operations, Central Highlands Rural Health last month
Phil Catterson
Exec Director Community Operations,
Central Highlands Rural Health
Submitted on 15/08/2025 at 5:18 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 18/08/2025 at 1:24 PM


Dear hotelmf33,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

I’m truly sorry to hear how challenging your recent experience was. Undergoing extended colonoscopy preparation can be extremely physically and emotionally taxing, and I sincerely apologise if the process added unnecessary stress or discomfort.

We genuinely strive to provide care that is not only clinically sound but also compassionate and patient-centred. It's clear from your message that the process did not meet this standard during your recent experience, between us and your GP and then the communication back to yourself and for that, I am very sorry. Thank you for raising your concerns about our food choices list and the need to pay more attention to the types of food we have listed.

Your feedback is incredibly important. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly to better understand what happened and how we can improve. Our goal is always to support our patients with empathy, dignity, and the highest standard of care, and your insights will help us do just that.

If you are open to meeting or chatting with me or one of our team, please contact our consumer feedback department via email at: feedback@chrh.org.au or via telephone on 03 53216567, and we will arrange a time for us to chat.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards

Phil Catterson

Deputy CEO

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