A woman claims she was “completely violated” at Watford General Hospital after staff allegedly ignored her calls to stop a procedure.

Elise Kinnon, 37, underwent a colonoscopy but said she was awake the whole time despite reportedly being told beforehand she would be fully sedated.

The 37-year-old said: “I could see the procedure on the screen, feel the polyps being removed and saw blood gushing inside of me with the doctor saying ‘I can’t stop the bleeding’.”

West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it is sorry to hear of any negative experiences but will investigate and respond directly to the patient.

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The Watford woman, who works as a singer, dancer and actress, added “no means no” and claimed the doctor said they chose not to sedate her due to her being “young”.

She also alleged that after the procedure in early November, her patient form stated she was given Entonox (pain relieving gas), but a friend anaesthetist told her that would have involved a mask or tube – which she didn’t have.

When she put that to the doctor handling her complaint, they reportedly admitted the document was incorrect and she was not given Entonox.

“I believe this medical document is now null and void because of this,” she added.

Watford Observer: Elise has been living in the UK for 15 months after a successful career in New York, where she had her first colonoscopy while sedated.Elise has been living in the UK for 15 months after a successful career in New York, where she had her first colonoscopy while sedated. (Image: Nick Arthur Daniel)

“I don’t believe anything they say. This is medical malpractice.”

Ms Kinnon, originally from Australia, said she now experiences “night terrors” and wants Watford General to foot the bill for counselling sessions.

She also suffered lower stomach pain the following day, claimed she was passing blood, and had to visit her GP.

“I have had a colonoscopy in New York and I was sedated before, so I know the difference,” Ms Kinnon continued.

Watford Observer: Elise wants the hospital to pay for her counselling to help with her trauma. Elise wants the hospital to pay for her counselling to help with her trauma. (Image: Stock image)

“Colon cancer runs in my family, so I have to have this every year, but now I am too fearful to ever go into a hospital again.”

The trust’s chief nurse Tracey Carter said: “We’re very sorry for any patient who feels they have not experienced the best care.

“However, we have processes in place for people to raise complaints or issues.

“We are investigating this patient’s complaint and we will address her concerns directly.”

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