Services provided by the department
The Endoscopy Unit is a dedicated unit that comprises of 12 Trolley spaces and a reception area. The unit has a recovery area (trolley and seated recovery), three procedure rooms and a physiology room. We also have admission and discharge rooms and a reception area with seating for patients pre-procedure.
The Endoscopy Unit performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in Oesophageal-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD), Colonoscopy, Bronchoscopy, Capsule Endoscopy and Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS).Endoscopic-Retrograde-Cholangio-Pancreatograph (ERCP), is carried out by Endoscopy staff using the facilities of the X-Ray Department.
The Endoscopy Unit also hosts a range of non-endoscopic procedures including Hydrogen Breath Tests (glucose and lactose), Urea Breath Tests, Fibroscanning and Manometry.
Staffing
- The Endoscopy matron is Kathryn Wood.
- The Endoscopy Sister is Jean Asare.
- The Deputy Sister is Liezel De Ocampo.
- Teams of experienced Staff Nurses support the Sisters.
- The Unit has a dedicated porter daily.
- 7 Endoscopy Office Co-ordinators and 2 Receptionists organise the administrative and clerical functions within the Department.
Opening Hours
- The Ward is open from 8.00am to 18.00 Monday to Saturday.
- Patients arrive at 8.00am for the morning list and 13.00pm for the afternoon list.
- Endoscopy staff work 8.00am to 18.00 Monday to Friday.
- The Unit also provides an Emergency GI Bleed service
Colonoscopy Referrals
All the patients undergoing Colonoscopy require them to take an “Oral Bowel Cleansing Agent" (also called ‘bowel prep’).
A recent NPSA (National Patient Safety Agency) alert “Reducing risk of harm from oral bowel cleansing solutions” suggested such agents carry risks of dehydration and electrolyte disturbance. It is essential that patients have had their U&Es checked in the preceding three months before the patient can safely take this oral bowel cleansing agent. We require all patients over 60 and those taking certain medications to have their U&Es checked before dispensing bowel prep.
If the patient has not already had these blood tests done, we would ask that any patient being referred for Colonoscopy should have U&Es and FBC checked at the time of the referral or before their scheduled procedure.
In case of any questions, please contact Endoscopy Clerk on 01932 726575.
Further Information
If you would like further information about Endoscopy, please do not hesitate to contact Sister Asare or any members of the Endoscopy team.
Please see a link to our referral guidelines.
